Kodak Ousts Leader Of Imaging Division

The chief of Eastman Kodak Co.’s consumer imaging business, which is grappling with intense competition from Japan’s Fuji Photo Film Co., is being replaced by a longtime colleague.

David P. Biehn, 54, who joined Kodak in 1968 and rose through the ranks to become general manager of its biggest film-making division in 1993, announced his intention to retire early next year, Kodak said Thursday.

He will be succeeded in his post Oct. 13 by Robert J. Keegan, 50, a 23-year Kodak veteran who is president of its professional-film division. Keegan’s slot will be filled by Patrick Siewert, who worked alongside Biehn as chief operating officer in consumer imaging.

Kodak declined to comment on whether Biehn was forced to leave, but the shake-up comes at a time when Kodak is struggling against inroads by Fuji in the U.S. film, photographic paper and photofinishing markets.