Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky at an Oct. 25 news conference launching Windows 8 in New York.(Photo: Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images)
REDMOND, Wash. -- Microsoft says that Steven Sinofsky, the president
of its Windows and Windows Live operations, is leaving the company.
Sinofsky's departure comes just weeks after the Redmond, Wash.,
software company launched Windows 8, which represented a major overhaul
of its ubiquitous computer operating system.
Microsoft (MSFT)
said Monday it has promoted company veteran Julie Larson-Green to lead
all its Windows software and hardware engineering. Tami Reller will take
over responsibility for the Windows business, while retaining her posts
as chief financial officer and chief marketing officer.
The company didn't say why Sinofsky is leaving.
In
a statement, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer expressed gratitude for
Sinofsky's contribution to the company. He indicated the need for the
company to further integrate its array of offerings, which in addition
to Windows includes services such as Bing, Skype and Xbox and a new
tablet computer, as it begins what he called "a new era at Microsoft."
Ballmer
said "it is imperative that we continue to drive alignment across all
Microsoft teams, and have more integrated and rapid development cycles
for our offerings."
The launch of Windows 8 last month heralded
the biggest change to the industry's dominant operating system in at
least 17 years. It attempts to bridge the gap between personal computers
and fast-growing tablets with its touch-enabled interface.
Larson-Green
has been with Microsoft since 1993. She was responsible for program
management, user interface design and research, as well as development
of all international releases for Windows 7 and Windows 8, Microsoft
said.
In her new role, she will be responsible for all future Windows product development in addition to future hardware projects.
USA Today