Stteven Sinofsky an employee with Microsoft for over 20 years is leaving the company. Not much is truly known on why he would leave right after the release of the newest Windows OS, Windows 8 and the launch of the new Surface tablets other then it might have to do with differences with core team execs this from close sources in contact with the site The Verge. It was no secret that Sinofsky didn’t play well with others as the sources sited issues with other teams in the Microsoft division including some fights concerning what was called the Courier tablet project and some team members grew unwilling to work with Sinofsky. The biggest flaw people would point too is that Sinofsky was too focused on Windows 8 and the Surface tablet and did not spread the focus out to other products such as the Windows 8 Phone, SmartGlass, Xbox Music, and Windows RT. But even still with all that speculation of drama, Steve Ballmer had this to say to the company on his Sinofsky’s departure:
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