"Brian is a strong leader with a passion for technology and deep understanding of the business, " Bryant added.

ENGADGET: Intel names current COO Brian Krzanich as new CEO, starts May 16th

The former linebacker and teammate of Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher has strong ties in the NFL and in the world of professional sports.

FORBES: Former NFL Star Hunter Hillenmeyer Explains How OverDog Connects Gamers With Pro Athletes

"It is a real privilege to welcome Brian and extend our already strong relationship with Manchester United, " said Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard.

BBC: Former Manchester United star Brian McClair

Maturin was involved in wartime espionage and there is a strong suggestion that O'Brian's notorious secrecy derived from his own experience working for the Political Intelligence Department during the Second World War, supplying 'black' propaganda to undermine German morale.

BBC: Patrick O'Brian: Master of the seafaring saga

Despite the fall in both profits and revenues, Bank of America chief executive Brian Moynihan said the bank entered 2013 "strong and well positioned for further growth".

BBC: Bank of America profits fall after bad debt charges

"I couldn't believe it when I first read the story, " said Brian Harvard, co-creator of the 25, 000-member-strong "Bring Back Firefly" Facebook page.

CNN: Doug Gross