14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is losing another of its prominent employees, the Internet has just learned. Stephen Toulouse, Xbox Live's director of policy and enforcement, has announced plans to leave the company.
A Microsoft employee since 1994, he took the decision to leave the Redmond-based software giant based on complex and personal reasons.
At Microsoft, Stephen Toulouse was product support specialist at first, and became communications manager for Microsoft's security response team in 2002.
In 2007, he became Xbox Live's director of policy and enforcement. He had the chance to “play a part in the success of Xbox, Xbox LIVE, and Kinect,” and says he is proud of that.
His last day at Microsoft is February 15th, and he says that he does not have plans beyond that. Nor would he share info on what changes Microsoft will make to the Xbox Live team after his departure.
“So over the past several weeks I’ve made the decision to resign and have been working with my management for an orderly transition. My last day will be February 15th,” he notes in a recent blog post.
He has been with Microsoft for almost 18 years, and considers that his adventure at Microsoft opened a wide range of opportunities for him.
“February 15th 2012 will be my last day at Microsoft. My reasons for leaving are complex and personal, but the parting could not be more amicable. I continue to believe this place makes great technology, and I am absolutely thrilled for the future of Xbox and Xbox LIVE,” his farewell letter, published on his blog, reads.
He also notes that his leaving is not tied to a specific event, but that he just wanted to make a change.
“For anyone wondering, I want to make sure I am clear: This is a positive thing. I have nothing but confidence in the future of Microsoft and specifically Xbox and Xbox LIVE. I have enormous gratitude for my time there. I want to finish my next book, and explore other opportunities,” he states.
Microsoft is expected to make an announcement regarding the new changes in the Xbox Live team after Stephen Toulouse departs.