14 DAY TRIAL // Qi Lu is one of the high-profile Microsoft executives who worked on several key projects for the company, including bringing the Office productivity suite from the desktop to the Store and making possible the conversion to universal apps.
But it turns out that Lu has decided to leave the company, and a report from Recode reveals that the reason is his medical condition following a bicycle accident that happened several months ago.
While an official announcement is not yet available, seeing Qi Lu go is undoubtedly a huge surprise, especially because he’s been an active Microsoft executive since 2008 when he joined the company. Lu had several important roles within the tech giant and is currently in charge of the applications and services group, with an increased focus on improving the Office suite in the Store.
Ballmer’s pick for anti-Google efforts
Qi Lu is a true Microsoftie and was Steve Ballmer’s top pick in 2009 to spearhead the company’s offensive against Google in the search industry. Lu wanted to make Microsoft very competitive in search and received Ballmer’s full backing to develop the firm’s online operations and compete against Google.
“The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a duty. There's a chance - a genuine chance - that we can make the search landscape a whole lot more competitive and healthy,” Lu said in a statement in 2009 when Microsoft increased its focus on search and appointed him as the man to push the offensive against Google.
Qi Lu also worked for Yahoo for 10 years before joining Microsoft and was employed at Carnegie Mellon University and China’s Fudan University.
All his responsibilities within Microsoft will be transferred to Rajesh Jha, who is currently in charge of Microsoft Outlook and Office 365, the same report adds.
For the moment, no statements are available from Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, but expect a confirmation to be provided later today.