Sun Microsystems Inc. Thursday promoted Steve McGowan to fill the shoes of Michael Lehman, Sun's executive vice president of corporate resources, chief financial officer and corporate executive officer.

Lehman, 51, is retiring after 15 years with the Santa Clara, Calif.-based technology provider. McGowan, 53, who has been serving as vice president of finance, planning and administration for Global Sales Operations, will take up the position of executive vice president of corporate resources and chief financial officer.

"Over the past 15 years, Mike has played an instrumental role in guiding Sun to the forefront of our industry," said Scott McNealy, chairman and chief executive officer of Sun. "Throughout his career, Mike has done far more than manage operations and finance effectively. He has made it both his personal mission and that of Sun to stand out from our competition through high-integrity financial practices and easy-to-understand reporting."

Sun said Lehman will continue in his current role while he oversees the transition, scheduled for July 1. He will then retire from full-time duties, though Sun said he will undertake part-time teaching and mentoring assignments with Sun's leaders and businesses.

"Mike's commitment to succession planning and leadership development means we have the right leader in Steve and that his impact will be felt for years to come," McNealy said.

As for Lehman's replacement, McGowan joined Sun in 1992. In his current role, he was responsible for the fiduciary and planning functions for Global Sales Operations worldwide, managing finance, IT workplace resources, leasing, and Sun's demand/supply function. Upon first joining the company, he led the worldwide finance and planning functions for the Computer Systems, Network Storage, and Network Service Provider organizations. In his new position, he will report directly to McNealy.