In a very brief notice to investors, HTC has announced its President of Smartphone and Connected Devices Chialin Chang has resigned, with no replacement named or identified – leading some commentators to speculate whether it’s the ‘beginning of the end’, for HTC’s smartphone division.

The news comes after Google finalised its US$1.1 billion acquisition of half of HTC’s smartphone R&D team.

Mr Chang cites his “personal career plan” as the reason for resignation.

Some commentators question whether Chang’s decision to leave signals further downsizing – or potential termination – of HTC’s smartphone division.

Chang previously held positions as HTC’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Global Sales, and was reportedly one of its last high-level executives to remain with the company.

Despite the recent sale to Google, HTC has not officially left the smartphone business – the company has pledged a dual-camera flagship phone for 2018 (tipped to be the U12).

According to The Verge, the ‘U12’ won’t unveil at Mobile World Congress later this month.

At this stage, the future of HTC’s smartphone division remains largely unknown.