14 DAY TRIAL // Steven Sinofsky, head of the Windows division and Redmondian since 1989, has decided to leave Microsoft, effective immediately.
While the true reason for his decision is as yet unknown, Microsoft claims it all takes place mutually, so there are no hard feelings between Sinofsky and the other executives.
Just as usual, several Microsoft execs have already released statements to show their appreciation for Sinofsky’s job within the company. Including company CEO Steve Ballmer, that is.
“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,” Ballmer said.
Sinofsky, on the other hand, has only issued a short comment, saying that Microsoft is, after all, an “awesome” company.
“It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft. I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company,” he said.
Julie Larson-Green will be the new head of Windows software and hardware engineering, while CFO and CMO Tami Reller will be in charge of the Windows division.
Steven Sinofsky, whom most of you remember from the recent Windows 8 launch, had several roles within Microsoft. He was appointed President of the Windows Division in 2009 and was in charge of Internet Explorer, SkyDrive, Outlook.com and Live services.
Last but not least, Sinofsky is one of the Microsoft executives that struggled to repair the company’s image after the terrible Windows Vista came to life. And as far as we’re concerned, he did accomplish his mission, as Windows 7 is currently the world’s number one operating system. Update 1: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has already sent a letter to all employees to explain the recent leadership changes. You can read the entire letter here.
Update 2: Steven Sinofsky's very own goodbye letter also reached the web. Click here to read it.