Dell has confirmed its chief technology officer Kevin Kettler plans to step down soon, although the PC vendor is adamant his retirement is not a part of Dell's recent layoffs and cutbacks.

Cnet first reported Kettler's imminent departure, which is expected to be announced officially by Dell within the next few days. He's already been stricken from Dell's executive team it would seem.

Kettler joined Dell in 1996 as manager of the Dell Precision Workstation group and later worked his way up to CTO (and occasional press groomer for Dell technology).

His resignation comes amidst considerable belt-tightening at Dell to get its expenses down. Dell's scheme to save $3bn in annual costs by 2010 has mostly consisted of layoffs, shifting to lower cost producers, and more layoffs – although its recently even turned to asking workers to take unpaid leave and instituting a global hiring freeze.

Frink, however, insists Kettler's decision is a personal one to spend more time with his family and varied interests. Indeed, Kettler has helped found several local non-tech businesses in Texas, including Charity Parters of Austin in 2005. He also reportedly owns a wine bar in the Austin area.

Dell said the company is still investigating its options and candidates to step in as Kettler's replacement. ®