14 DAY TRIAL // Steven Sinofsky, the former Windows boss who decided to leave the Redmond-based software giant after the public launch of Windows 8, has agreed to a retirement package worth $14.2 million (€10.9 million).
Microsoft has confirmed in a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission that Steve Sinofsky would receive 418,631 shares worth $14.2 million over the next three years.
Basically, Sinofsky won’t be allowed to work for Microsoft competitors until the end of the year and to disclose secret information about the software maker’s products.
Here’s what the filling states:
“The Retirement Agreement includes covenants by Mr. Sinofsky to:
(i) not compete with Microsoft by accepting employment at certain competitors or encouraging certain customers of Microsoft to choose a competing offering to Microsoft products; (ii) not solicit Microsoft employees to terminate their employment or work for other entities; (iii) cooperate in litigation brought by or against Microsoft; (iv) not disparage Microsoft; (v) continue complying with certain provisions of the Microsoft Corporation Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement between Microsoft and him related to intellectual property rights and confidentiality of Microsoft and third-party information. Mr. Sinofsky also agreed to a release of claims against Microsoft and its related parties.”
Steven Sinofsky has decided to leave Microsoft in early November 2012 after what seemed to be a growing tension between him and CEO Steve Ballmer.
According to some unconfirmed reports, Sinofsky, who was considered a potential replacement for Ballmer, was trying to take over the CEO position within the Redmond-based software company.
Ballmer, on the other hand, has repeatedly said that he’s willing to stay at the helm of the company until 2017 or 2018, with no intention to retire a bit earlier whatsoever.
At this point, the current Windows boss Julie Larson-Green is again considered a future potential CEO, and according to insiders, she will be soon appointed head of a new hardware division in charge of Xbox and Surface.