Motorola's Brown glad to see 'tough journey' complete

Greg Brown, CEO of Schaumburg-based Motorola Solutions, said Tuesday's news of Google closing its acquisition on Motorola Mobility was part of a strategy he offered about four years ago.

While the close of the deal was "wonderful news" and "confirmation of what we believed all along," Brown said, the new company lies in the wake of the legendary 80-year-old Motorola Inc., which was separated into two companies in 2011.

"That was a brutally tough journey with lots of ups and downs." Brown said. "But we stayed focused on what was right for the company."

Sanjay Jha was tapped in 2008 as a co-CEO with Brown for the mission of separating the companies. But one of the country's worst recessions hit, so plans were postponed.

And dealing with two CEOs created its own complications, Brown admitted.

"Having two CEOs, instead of one, increased some of the difficulties along the way," Brown said. "If you have one CEO, they're the ultimate decision maker. So finding compromise and middle ground was tough."

Still, on Jan. 4, 2011, the legendary Motorola Inc. became Motorola Mobility led by Jha and Motorola Solutions led by Brown. On Tuesday, Jha was replaced as CEO after Google took the reigns of Motorola Mobility.

"At the end, we did it," Brown said, "and it's been about a year and a half since we separated and became independent. So this Google closing was gratifying. It was part of a strategy I launched and recommended four years ago."