Despite Steven Sinofsky’s assurances to the contrary, rumors continue
to swirl that his exit from Microsoft this week after 23 years with the
company may not have been amicable after all.
A memo issued by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer after Sinofsky’s
departure has created a bit of a buzz due to its lack of praise and
heartfelt wishes for the former president of Microsoft’s Windows and
Windows Live departments.
The five-paragraph missive devotes just one paragraph to Sinofsky.
“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,” Ballmer writes. “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.”
Ballmer’s letter can be read in its entirety on CNet.
Ballmer’s seemingly half-hearted goodbye is not all that is feeding
rumors, however. The fact that Sinofsky’s departure from the software
giant came just three weeks after the release of Windows 8 and the
Surface tablet — for which he was instrumental — have also raised some
eyebrows.
Just last month, Microsoft’s board of directors officially
reprimanded Ballmer and Sinofsky due to “missteps with the Windows
division Sinofsky ran,” according to Business Insider. The reprimand
went hand-in-hand with a cut to the annual bonus each is eligible to
receive.
Another possibility for the departure, according to a Business
Insider source, is Sinofsky was fired for angling after Ballmer’s job.
According to the source, he asked to be named as Ballmer’s successor
after Windows 8 launched, and threatened to quit if he didn’t get his
way. The source told Business Week Ballmer, who plans to keeps his hands
on the reins for another five years, called Sinofsky’s bluff.
Another possible piece of evidence: Sinofsky is not around to
supervise a transitional period between him and his replacements — Julie
Larson-Green and Tami Reller.
Although neither Sinofsky nor Microsoft has publicly offered any
details about the reason for his departure or his plans for the future, a
farewell e-mail to Microsoft employees obtained by Paul Thurrott’s
Supersite For Windows, says Sinofsky’s exit from the firm was a
“personal and private choice.”
“After more than 23 years working on a wide range of Microsoft
products, I have decided to leave the company to seek new opportunities
that build on these experiences,” he wrote. “My passion for building
products is as strong as ever and I look forward focusing my energy and
creativity along similar lines.
“Some might notice a bit of chatter speculating about this decision
or timing,” he continued. “I can assure you that none could be true as
this was a personal and private choice that in no way reflects any
speculation or theories one might read—about me, opportunity, the
company or its leadership.
“As I’ve always believed in making space for new leaders as quickly
as possible, this announcement is effective immediately and I will
assist however needed with the transition.”
The letter in its entirety can be read on Paul Thurrott’s Supersite For Windows.
Julie Larson-Green will be promoted to lead all Windows software and
hardware engineering. Tami Reller retains her roles as chief financial
officer and chief marketing officer and will assume responsibility for
the business of Windows.
Larson-Green, who has been with the company since 1993, will be
responsible for all future Windows product development in addition to
future hardware opportunities.
Reller, in her expanded role, will assume the lead in driving
business and marketing strategy for Windows devices, including Surface
and partner devices, in addition to her current marketing and finance
responsibilities.
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