Counter-opinion to mainstream here: - backstabbing CEO and founder like that has very bad optics and karma - given ceo was taking part in all hiring many employees will be more attached to him, oh btw he also knows pay and structure of all - board knows they made themselves unhireable at any positions of managerial control/oversight. Rather than realize loss now they better kick the can forward - headcount fallout will only be quantified 3-6 months after Sam sets new company, current assessment is premature - for some some months company will follow momentum set by previous CEO