The man who helped usher Microsoft Corp.‘s (NASDAQ: MSFT) ubiquitous Windows operating system (OS) into a new era, and who just recently oversaw the launch of Windows 8, has left the Redmond, Was.-based software giant.
Microsoft announced late yesterday that Steven Sinofsky, a 22-year veteran and most recently president of Microsoft’s Windows/Windows Live Division, has left the company. The reasons for his departure were not disclosed. According to a report from CRN, Microsoft will promote two executives to fill Sinofsky’s role. Julie Larson-Greene will lead the Windows software and hardware engineering efforts, and Tami Reller will handle the business of Windows.
“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,” said Sinofsky in a Microsoft statement.
Late last month, Microsoft debuted Windows 8 at a launch event in New York City. It was a major departure for Microsoft, which redesigned the OS to put touch at the heart of the user interface, and offer the same Windows experience across tablets, smartphones and desktops. With Sinofsky at the helm, Microsoft placed a big bet that the user experience is moving away from the desktop. Now he’ll watch from the outside to see if the play pays off.
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