Windows head Steven Sinofsky is leaving Microsoft immediately
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Microsoft is mixing things up within the Windows Unit. After 23 years at the company, Steven Sinofsky, who was the lead effort behind the newest generation of Windows and the Surface tablet, is leaving the Microsoft. Sinofsky took over as the head of the Windows unit in 2006 and is largely credited with restoring confidence in the operating system after the disaster that was Windows Vista, and delivered the highly praised Windows 7 and pushed through the even bigger release of Windows 8.
Officially, this is a mutual decision between Sinofsky and Microsoft. In the press release, Steve Ballmer praised Sinofsky’s contributions to the company, citing specifically the new foundation Microsoft has laid out with Office 2013, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, Surface and more. Ballmer also cited that Microsoft must have “more integrated and rapid development cycles for our offerings.” Sinofsky was equally tactful and conveyed gratitude for the professionalism and generosity at “this awesome company.”
The business of Windows will now be spearheaded through the efforts of two individuals. Julie Larson-Green is being promoted to lead all Windows software and hardware engineering and Tami Reller will take on responsibility for the business side of Windows in addition to her other roles at Microsoft. She will drive the business and marketing for Windows devices.
Larson-Green has been with Microsoft since 1993 and was a key player in the development of the user interface design in Windows 7 and Windows 8. Reller’s background dates back to 1984 at Great Plains Software which was acquired by Microsoft in 2001.
Here is the text of the email sent to Microsoft employees:
We will not try to read between the lines of the statements made by the company or individuals involved. We know how dynamic Steve Ballmer is, and we will always have these images of Sinofsky using his surface as a skateboard.
source: Microsoft and AllThingsD
UPDATE: Forbes received a copy of an email sent to Microsoft employees by Steven Sinofsky, that text is below:
source: Forbes
Press Release
Officially, this is a mutual decision between Sinofsky and Microsoft. In the press release, Steve Ballmer praised Sinofsky’s contributions to the company, citing specifically the new foundation Microsoft has laid out with Office 2013, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, Surface and more. Ballmer also cited that Microsoft must have “more integrated and rapid development cycles for our offerings.” Sinofsky was equally tactful and conveyed gratitude for the professionalism and generosity at “this awesome company.”
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Tami Reller |
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Julie Larson-Green |
Larson-Green has been with Microsoft since 1993 and was a key player in the development of the user interface design in Windows 7 and Windows 8. Reller’s background dates back to 1984 at Great Plains Software which was acquired by Microsoft in 2001.
Here is the text of the email sent to Microsoft employees:
From: Steve Ballmer
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 5:16 PM
To: Microsoft – All Employees (QBDG)
Subject: Windows Leadership Changes
Over the past few months we have delivered the foundation for a new era for Microsoft. From Office to Bing to Windows Phone and Windows Azure, to Xbox and of course Windows and Surface and everything in between, we’ve unleashed a huge wave of devices and services that people and businesses love. I simply couldn’t be more proud of the effort you have all put in to get us here and to set the foundation for our future. At the Windows launch in New York, at the Windows Phone event in San Francisco, and again at the Build event on Redmond campus, I was struck that while externally many people look at these events as the finish line, they really represent the starting line of a new era.
As we enter this new era, and with the successful launch of Windows 8 and Surface behind us, Steven Sinofsky has decided to leave the company. Steven joined Microsoft in 1989 as a software development engineer and has contributed to the company in many ways from his work as a technical advisor to Bill Gates, to leading the evolution of the Microsoft Office business, to his direction and successful leadership of Windows and Windows Live as well as Surface. I am grateful for the work that Steven has delivered in his time at our company.
Effective immediately, Julie Larson-Green will lead Windows engineering. She will be responsible for all product development for Windows and Windows Live, in addition to Surface. Julie has been a stalwart leader of building compelling “experiences” from her time on Internet Explorer, through the evolution of Office and most recently to the re-imagination of Windows. Her unique product and innovation perspective and proven ability to effectively collaborate and drive a cross company agenda will serve us well as she takes on this new leadership role. All of the current Windows engineering teams will report into Julie, and Julie will report to me.
Tami Reller will lead business and marketing strategy for Windows including Surface and partner devices. She will provide broad stewardship to our PC marketing efforts while managing the line business functions for Windows. Her work on Windows since 2007 has been exemplary and her strong talents in working with internal groups and partners will also serve us well. Tami also will report to me.
We are facing a time of great opportunity. What we have accomplished over the past few years is nothing short of amazing, and I know we have more amazing in us. I am excited about our people, I am energized by our ability to change and grow, and I look forward to the success which lies ahead. Thank you for all you do, and please join me in congratulating our new leadership and celebrating all that we have accomplished so far.
Steve
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 5:16 PM
To: Microsoft – All Employees (QBDG)
Subject: Windows Leadership Changes
Over the past few months we have delivered the foundation for a new era for Microsoft. From Office to Bing to Windows Phone and Windows Azure, to Xbox and of course Windows and Surface and everything in between, we’ve unleashed a huge wave of devices and services that people and businesses love. I simply couldn’t be more proud of the effort you have all put in to get us here and to set the foundation for our future. At the Windows launch in New York, at the Windows Phone event in San Francisco, and again at the Build event on Redmond campus, I was struck that while externally many people look at these events as the finish line, they really represent the starting line of a new era.
As we enter this new era, and with the successful launch of Windows 8 and Surface behind us, Steven Sinofsky has decided to leave the company. Steven joined Microsoft in 1989 as a software development engineer and has contributed to the company in many ways from his work as a technical advisor to Bill Gates, to leading the evolution of the Microsoft Office business, to his direction and successful leadership of Windows and Windows Live as well as Surface. I am grateful for the work that Steven has delivered in his time at our company.
Effective immediately, Julie Larson-Green will lead Windows engineering. She will be responsible for all product development for Windows and Windows Live, in addition to Surface. Julie has been a stalwart leader of building compelling “experiences” from her time on Internet Explorer, through the evolution of Office and most recently to the re-imagination of Windows. Her unique product and innovation perspective and proven ability to effectively collaborate and drive a cross company agenda will serve us well as she takes on this new leadership role. All of the current Windows engineering teams will report into Julie, and Julie will report to me.
Tami Reller will lead business and marketing strategy for Windows including Surface and partner devices. She will provide broad stewardship to our PC marketing efforts while managing the line business functions for Windows. Her work on Windows since 2007 has been exemplary and her strong talents in working with internal groups and partners will also serve us well. Tami also will report to me.
We are facing a time of great opportunity. What we have accomplished over the past few years is nothing short of amazing, and I know we have more amazing in us. I am excited about our people, I am energized by our ability to change and grow, and I look forward to the success which lies ahead. Thank you for all you do, and please join me in congratulating our new leadership and celebrating all that we have accomplished so far.
Steve
We will not try to read between the lines of the statements made by the company or individuals involved. We know how dynamic Steve Ballmer is, and we will always have these images of Sinofsky using his surface as a skateboard.
source: Microsoft and AllThingsD
UPDATE: Forbes received a copy of an email sent to Microsoft employees by Steven Sinofsky, that text is below:
From: Steven Sinofsky
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 5:42 PM
To: Microsoft – All Employees (QBDG)
Subject: RE: Windows Leadership Changes
With the general availability of Windows 8/RT and Surface, I have decided it is time for me to take a step back from my responsibilities at Microsoft. I’ve always advocated using the break between product cycles as an opportunity to reflect and to look ahead, and that applies to me too.
After more than 23 years working on a wide range of Microsoft products, I have decided to leave the company to seek new opportunities that build on these experiences. My passion for building products is as strong as ever and I look forward focusing my energy and creativity along similar lines.
The Windows team, in partnerships across all of Microsoft and our industry, just completed products and services introducing a new era of Windows computing. It is an incredible experience to be part of a generational change in a unique product like Windows, one accomplished with an undeniable elegance. Building on Windows, Surface excels in design and utility for a new era of PCs. With the Store, Internet Explorer, Outlook.com, SkyDrive and more, each of which lead the way, this experience is connected to amazing cloud services.
It is inspiring to think of these efforts making their way into the hands of Microsoft’s next billion customers. We can reflect on this project as a remarkable achievement for each of us and for the team. Our work is not done, such is the world of technology, and so much more is in store for customers.
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. I am beyond grateful.
I have always promised myself when the right time came for me to change course, I would be brief, unlike one of my infamous short blog posts, and strive to be less memorable than the products and teams with which I have been proudly and humbly associated. The brevity of this announcement is simply a feature.
Some might notice a bit of chatter speculating about this decision or timing. I can assure you that none could be true as this was a personal and private choice that in no way reflects any speculation or theories one might read–about me, opportunity, the company or its leadership.
As I’ve always believed in making space for new leaders as quickly as possible, this announcement is effective immediately and I will assist however needed with the transition.
I am super excited for what the future holds for the team and Microsoft.
With my deepest appreciation,
Steven Sinofsky
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 5:42 PM
To: Microsoft – All Employees (QBDG)
Subject: RE: Windows Leadership Changes
With the general availability of Windows 8/RT and Surface, I have decided it is time for me to take a step back from my responsibilities at Microsoft. I’ve always advocated using the break between product cycles as an opportunity to reflect and to look ahead, and that applies to me too.
After more than 23 years working on a wide range of Microsoft products, I have decided to leave the company to seek new opportunities that build on these experiences. My passion for building products is as strong as ever and I look forward focusing my energy and creativity along similar lines.
The Windows team, in partnerships across all of Microsoft and our industry, just completed products and services introducing a new era of Windows computing. It is an incredible experience to be part of a generational change in a unique product like Windows, one accomplished with an undeniable elegance. Building on Windows, Surface excels in design and utility for a new era of PCs. With the Store, Internet Explorer, Outlook.com, SkyDrive and more, each of which lead the way, this experience is connected to amazing cloud services.
It is inspiring to think of these efforts making their way into the hands of Microsoft’s next billion customers. We can reflect on this project as a remarkable achievement for each of us and for the team. Our work is not done, such is the world of technology, and so much more is in store for customers.
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. I am beyond grateful.
I have always promised myself when the right time came for me to change course, I would be brief, unlike one of my infamous short blog posts, and strive to be less memorable than the products and teams with which I have been proudly and humbly associated. The brevity of this announcement is simply a feature.
Some might notice a bit of chatter speculating about this decision or timing. I can assure you that none could be true as this was a personal and private choice that in no way reflects any speculation or theories one might read–about me, opportunity, the company or its leadership.
As I’ve always believed in making space for new leaders as quickly as possible, this announcement is effective immediately and I will assist however needed with the transition.
I am super excited for what the future holds for the team and Microsoft.
With my deepest appreciation,
Steven Sinofsky
source: Forbes
Press Release
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16 Comments
1. dmckay12 posted on 12 Nov 2012, 23:43 1 0
I can think of at least two things I like about each of them.
4. MeoCao (unregistered) posted on 12 Nov 2012, 23:54 0 1
This says a lot about how well WP8 and RT are doing. Things are not good and that is expected.
15. Penny posted on 13 Nov 2012, 14:23 0 0
Not at all, actually. If you read some other articles on the internet about Sinofsky's departure, it had almost entirely to do with office politics. He was a good employee that led his divisions to timely and successful product releases, but he was butting heads with a lot of his colleagues. According to those sources, he was upsetting the structure and culture within Microsoft, so they felt he had to leave before more people started quitting.
7. sandysingh252 posted on 13 Nov 2012, 00:38 7 0
Tell websites to kindly take this news off, else Apple will file a suit against Microsoft for copying them by removing the employees after Apple did so.
2. tigermcm posted on 12 Nov 2012, 23:45 0 0
They BETTER have some public speaking/presentation skills.....thats all I have to say
3. wendygarett posted on 12 Nov 2012, 23:47 4 2
I always remember Steven face, a very charismatic guy lol...
and it's time for him to retired and let others do their job :)
5. tiara6918 posted on 13 Nov 2012, 00:01 7 0
It's hard to see Steven Sinofsky leave after all the things he had done to make microsoft the company it is now...
11. MeoCao (unregistered) posted on 13 Nov 2012, 01:50 3 1
Ha, Ballmer needs a scapegoat for this WP/RT debacle.
I think Bill Gates has to return at some point to save MS.
16. Penny posted on 13 Nov 2012, 14:33 0 0
I'm glad you got another piece of news to reaffirm your irrational hatred toward Microsoft (as is evident from pretty much all of your comments), but that is not the reason why he left. Please see my Comment #15 above.
8. zibbyzib2000 posted on 13 Nov 2012, 00:53 10 0
Holy shiz... These 2 women are just going to be arguing the whole time and there isn't going to be much progress for Windows haha :P
10. mihaidenis posted on 13 Nov 2012, 01:35 0 0
It 's all about is sick and tired of working.
In a big corporation where main
focus of CEO`s is to keep
there's positions.
And they just fight for
this doing nothing good
for company and for
themselves.
Apple same.
Period.
12. hiBreed posted on 13 Nov 2012, 03:17 0 0
despite all negatives i still love windows 8 though, i just think its smooth
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