rules-based hierarchies are necessarily inflexible. they manage ideas in a particular way which depends upon the genius of the folks at the top of the pyramid.
innovation doesn't necessarily work the same way. it can work more like academia, in which the power of a good idea supercedes rank.
wave isn't a widgets business. it depends upon the quality of the ideas it brings to the party. ideas that are subtle in the sensitive areas of user trust.
only one data point with this guy, but it speaks of a mindset which would be repellant to a thoughtful innovator. who cares about the stars on a person's lapel? is he clever enough to know a good idea from a bad one.