Steven Sinofsky Leaves Microsoft

Steven Sinofsky, the head of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows, is leaving the company.

Sinofsky’s duties were reassigned to Julie Larson-Green, who will take charge of all software and hardware for Windows, and Tami Reller, who will add oversight of the Windows business to her responsibilities in marketing and finance, the world’s largest software maker said yesterday in a statement. They will report directly to Ballmer, effective immediately.

The company had grown concerned over Sinofsky’s ability to get along with other executives, including Ballmer, a person with knowledge of the matter said. Fresh on the heels of the release of the latest version of Windows, Ballmer is putting in place a new team to start planning the next upgrade, this person said. He’s using new products and management shifts to help Microsoft withstand pressure from Apple Inc. and other mobile device makers that are winning over consumers and businesses.

Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft fell 3.9 percent to $26.89 at 9:35 a.m. in New York. Through yesterday, the stock had climbed 8.7 percent this year.

A 23-year Microsoft veteran, Sinofsky is departing less than a month after the release of Windows 8, the latest version of the computer operating system, and Surface, the company’s first foray into the tablet hardware market. The timing of his move is unrelated to the quality of the products or their reception in the market, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private.

SOURCE Washington Post