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Steven Sinofsky: Windows division head leaves Microsoft | Steven Sinofsky: Windows division head leaves Microsoft |
(35 minutes later) | |
Steven Sinofsky, the head of Microsoft's Windows division, has left the company with immediate effect. | Steven Sinofsky, the head of Microsoft's Windows division, has left the company with immediate effect. |
His departure comes just weeks after Microsoft launched Windows 8, the latest edition of its flagship product, seen as key to the firm's future. | His departure comes just weeks after Microsoft launched Windows 8, the latest edition of its flagship product, seen as key to the firm's future. |
Microsoft did not give any reason for Mr Sinofsky's departure. | Microsoft did not give any reason for Mr Sinofsky's departure. |
The company said Julie Larson-Green would be promoted to lead all Windows software and hardware engineering. | The company said Julie Larson-Green would be promoted to lead all Windows software and hardware engineering. |
"This is shocking news. This is very surprising," said Brendan Barnicle, an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities. | "This is shocking news. This is very surprising," said Brendan Barnicle, an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities. |
He added that many observers saw Mr Sinofsky as a potential successor to Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive. | He added that many observers saw Mr Sinofsky as a potential successor to Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive. |
'A new era' | 'A new era' |
Mr Ballmer said the changes in leadership were aimed at ensuring the firm continued to be a dominant player in the sector. | Mr Ballmer said the changes in leadership were aimed at ensuring the firm continued to be a dominant player in the sector. |
"The products and services we have delivered to the market in the past few months mark the launch of a new era at Microsoft," Mr Ballmer said. | "The products and services we have delivered to the market in the past few months mark the launch of a new era at Microsoft," Mr Ballmer said. |
"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." | "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." |
Mr Sinofksy's departure is the latest change at the top of some of the world's biggest technology companies. | |
Last month, Apple announced that Scott Forstall, head of its iOS software, and John Browett, head of retail, would be leaving the firm. | Last month, Apple announced that Scott Forstall, head of its iOS software, and John Browett, head of retail, would be leaving the firm. |
The announcement followed problems with Apple's new mapping software and disappointing quarterly results. | The announcement followed problems with Apple's new mapping software and disappointing quarterly results. |
Meanwhile, Yahoo - which has been trying to regain some of its lost market share - also hired a new chief operating officer in October. | |
In July the internet company appointed its third chief executive in a year. | |
"The pace at which changes are happening in the industry is so intense that companies are struggling to keep up with it," Manoj Menon of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan told the BBC. | |
"Businesss models are changing, competition is coming from unexpected quarters and economic challenges are only getting tougher. | |
"The changes in leadership are a reflection of these trends and the uncertainties around what will drive future growth and profitability," he added. |