Windows 8 Boss Steven Sinofsky Exits Microsoft

[Gman496]

The head of Microsoft's Windows division is leaving just weeks after the new generation of the computer operating software was launched.


Steven Sinofsky's duties will be now be shared by two executives

Microsoft did not explain why Windows president Steven Sinofsky was departing, but Windows 8 has had a mixed reception since its launch on October 26.

Chief executive Steven Ballmer said: "I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company.

"The products and services we have delivered to the market in the past few months mark the launch of a new era at Microsoft.

"To continue this success it is imperative that we continue to drive alignment across all Microsoft teams, and have more integrated and rapid development cycles for our offerings."

Products launched in recent months include Windows 8, new Windows-powered mobile phones, a Surface tablet computer and the Halo 4 video game that is exclusive to Microsoft's Xbox 360 console.



Mr Sinofsky launched the Surface tablet as well as Windows 8


Mr Sinofsky's duties are being divided between a pair of executives who will answer directly to the CEO.

Julie Larson-Green has been promoted to lead Windows software and hardware engineering, while chief financial officer Tami Reller will run the business side of Windows in addition to her current duties.

"It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft," Mr Sinofsky said in a written statement.

"I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company."

Mr Sinofsky joined Microsoft in 1989 as a software engineer and became head of the Windows team in 2009.

Microsoft kicked off sales of its revamped Windows 8 system and Surface tablet late last month as it accelerated its efforts to compete in a market shifting rapidly from PCs to mobile devices.

 

[Gman496]

The complete letter from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to employees

The complete letter from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to employees

From: Steve Ballmer
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 6:16 PM
To: Microsoft - All Employees (QBDG)
Subject: Windows Leadership Changes

Over the past few months we have delivered the foundation for a new era for Microsoft. From Office to Bing to Windows Phone and Windows Azure, to Xbox and of course Windows and Surface and everything in between, we’ve unleashed a huge wave of devices and services that people and businesses love. I simply couldn’t be more proud of the effort you have all put in to get us here and to set the foundation for our future. At the Windows launch in New York, at the Windows Phone event in San Francisco, and again at the Build event on Redmond campus, I was struck that while externally many people look at these events as the finish line, they really represent the starting line of a new era.

As we enter this new era, and with the successful launch of Windows 8 and Surface behind us, Steven Sinofsky has decided to leave the company. Steven joined Microsoft in 1989 as a software development engineer and has contributed to the company in many ways from his work as a technical advisor to Bill Gates, to leading the evolution of the Microsoft Office business, to his direction and successful leadership of Windows and Windows Live as well as Surface. I am grateful for the work that Steven has delivered in his time at our company.

Effective immediately, Julie Larson-Green will lead Windows engineering. She will be responsible for all product development for Windows and Windows Live, in addition to Surface. Julie has been a stalwart leader of building compelling “experiences” from her time on Internet Explorer, through the evolution of Office and most recently to the re-imagination of Windows. Her unique product and innovation perspective and proven ability to effectively collaborate and drive a cross company agenda will serve us well as she takes on this new leadership role. All of the current Windows engineering teams will report into Julie, and Julie will report to me.

Tami Reller will lead business and marketing strategy for Windows including Surface and partner devices. She will provide broad stewardship to our PC marketing efforts while managing the line business functions for Windows. Her work on Windows since 2007 has been exemplary and her strong talents in working with internal groups and partners will also serve us well. Tami also will report to me.

We are facing a time of great opportunity. What we have accomplished over the past few years is nothing short of amazing, and I know we have more amazing in us. I am excited about our people, I am energized by our ability to change and grow, and I look forward to the success which lies ahead. Thank you for all you do, and please join me in congratulating our new leadership and celebrating all that we have accomplished so far.

Steve