14 DAY TRIAL // Stephen Elop, the former Nokia boss who has been in the race for the CEO seat at Microsoft, has been named head of the devices and gaming units at the software giant, according to a new report.
Elop will thus replace Julie Larson-Green, who has in the past served as Windows boss, as head of Microsoft’s Devices and Studio business, which basically means that he will be in charge of Redmond’s hardware push, but also of the Xbox console and game development projects.
According to a report by The Verge, Julie Larson-Green will now become the Chief Experience Officer for the Applications and Services group, which means that she’s going to work on products such as Bing, Office, and Skype.
This switch of roles has been prepared ever since Microsoft officially announced that it was taking over Nokia, but at that point, it was believed that Larson-Green and Elop would work together on the devices unit.
And still, Larson-Green said in a memo sent to employees this morning that her new role was actually regarded as “a new challenge” that would help the software giant continue the One Microsoft transformation plan, as the company goes on with its transition to devices and services.
Surprisingly though, Julie Larson-Green was once considered one of the big internal Microsoft talents, with some people close to the matter saying that she even had chances to replace Steve Ballmer at the helm of the company.
What’s more, Larson-Green worked closely with former Windows boss Steven Sinofsky on Microsoft’s operating system and then took over the division completely when the latter left.
Here’s Larson-Green’s memo in full below, and you can share your thoughts on this in the comment box below:
Team,
As you will read in the notes below from Qi and Satya, I've accepted a new challenge, leading the My Life & Work team in ASG and serving as the Chief Experience Officer (CXO). As hard as it is for me to leave Devices & Studios, I'm thrilled about this opportunity. In working with company leaders this year to establish our One Microsoft vision and plan, I thought about ways I could have impact on helping Microsoft prepare for the future and innovate.
My discussions with Satya and Qi made clear this is a critical space to drive new thinking and an essential way to help the shape the company's direction. I'm looking forward to developing the Digital Life & Digital Work Experience Substrate that powers modern digital experiences regardless of device, as well as working across ASG to strengthen customer experiences.
I want to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me and supporting me as the leader of Devices & Studios over the past 7 months. I'm very proud of what we have accomplished during such a short timeframe. We launched Xbox One, Surface 2 & Pro 2, blockbuster games like Forza and Ryse, a brand new Xbox Music and Video service, PPI, and some amazing unannounced innovations just to name a few - incredibly impressive!
Our opportunity to grow as a world-class devices and experiences company is greater than ever, and I have every belief that as One Microsoft we're on the right path. The addition of Nokia Devices & Services into the DnS family will add tremendous scale, talent and opportunity for our future.
I'll remain in role leading the DnS organization in the interim until the Nokia deal closes and Stephen Elop makes his transition to Microsoft. We've been meeting regularly throughout and are making a lot of progress, ensuring our teams are ready for the Day 1 close and beyond.
You are all in great hands with Stephen and already we've shared a lot with him and his LT from Nokia regarding all of the fantastic people, teams and products in DnS. I also know many of you are looking forward to welcoming the Nokia team and working more closely with them.
As I look to the future, I'm reminded of a favorite Chinese proverb: “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.”
I encourage you all to stay focused on the journey and opportunities ahead, and know that I'll be there in step with you as we launch the next chapter of Microsoft.
Thank you,
Julie