A spokesperson for FUNimation has confirmed to ICv2 that Ward Thomas, FUNimation's Chief Operating Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.  Ward is returning to the software industry, but he will stay at FUNimation through mid-November to ensure a smooth transition.  Thomas came to FUNimation in 2005 from its parent, the Navarre Corporation (see 'Navarre Names Ward Thomas Senior VP At FUNimation').

'Ward was a great leader here at FUNimation and we are very sorry to see him go,' the FUNimation spokesperson told ICv2. 

Thomas' departure is the second to hit the upper echelon of FUNimation management in recent months.  Senior Vice President Debra Kennedy (see 'FUNimation Names Debra Kennedy SVP') also recently left the company.