Head of Microsoft Windows is out
Just weeks after Microsoft Corp. launched its major overhaul of Windows, the company disclosed late Monday that the president of its Windows and Windows Live operations is leaving the company.
The departure of Steven Sinofsky, who oversaw the launch of Windows 8 and the Surface tablet, was effective immediately, the Redmond, Wash., company said.
Sinofsky, who could not be reached for comment, was replaced by Julie Larson-Green, who has been with the company since 1993 and oversaw program management, user interface design and research for Windows 7 and 8. She will lead all Windows software and hardware engineering.
“It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft,” Sinofsky said in a statement. “I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company.”
Sinofsky, who joined the company in 1994 as director of program management, tweeted “Thank you. Reading all of these and #humbled and #blessed,” after the announcement of his departure.
Microsoft did not provide any reason for Sinofsky’s sudden resignation, and no spokesperson could be reached for comment. AllThingsD, a technology news and analysis website, reported that the move was a result of growing tension between Sinofsky and other top executives.
Less than a month ago, Sinofsky oversaw the launch of Windows 8, which was touted as the most drastic overhaul of its computer operating system in nearly two decades. He also oversaw the release of Surface, Microsoft’s first tablet, late last month.
Tami Reller, Microsoft’s chief financial officer and chief marketing officer, also will assume responsibility for the business of Windows. Larson-Green and Reller will report to Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer.
“I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company,” Ballmer said in a statement.
adolfo.flores@latimes.com
