In what has been described as a “mutual decision” between himself and Microsoft CEO Steven Ballmer, Steven Sinofsky has departed the company. Sinofsky was the director of Microsoft’s Windows business since June of 2009, and a Microsoft employee since 1989. Sinofsky’s departure is effective immediately.
Following the announcement, Sinofsky said that “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.”
Baller chimed in with his gratitude “for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company. The products and services we have delivered to the market in the past few months mark the launch of a new era at Microsoft … to continue this success it is imperative that we continue to drive alignment across all Microsoft teams, and have more integrated and rapid development cycles for our offerings.”
Despite being named as a potential successor to Ballmer by some, especially after improving the quality of Windows after its panned Vista release, accounts from inside Microsoft claim that Sinofsky was a controversial figure who frequently antagonized other members of Microsoft’s senior management teams.
Fellow Windows division veteran Julie Larson-Green is assuming leadership of all Windows engineering responsibilities. Windows division Chief Financial Officer Tami Reller will run business and marketing following Sinofsky’s departure.
