[jayliew]

Seconded. Imho the person at the top has to really understand their product, and understanding the capabilities and shortcomings your product includes understanding the competitive landscape. Even if he doesn't compare his phone to iPhone, his target market does.

The company is doomed if the guy doesn't understand their product - and the competitive landscape.

I think he's lying through his teeth (and a bad liar at it), or he is genuinely blind. I think it's the former.