Just weeks after Microsoft launched Windows 8 around the globe, the man who led platform's overhaul - Steven Sinofsky - has announced his departure from the firm.
Sinofsky originally joined the Redmond giant back in 1989, but was only charged with heading up its Windows division 20 years later in 2009.
His departure comes after Ballmer revealed Windows 8 had enjoyed a better start at retail than its predecessor.
Windows winner
"I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company," said Ballmer of the news.
"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."
Much of Sinofsky's work will now be taken on by Julie Larson-Green herself a 19 year Microsoft veteran - who will lead all Windows software and hardware engineering "effective immediately".
Larson-Green has previously worked on Microsoft products such as Internet Explorer and Office.
CFO and CMO Tami Reller who joined Microsoft's Windows operation in 2007 - will also now assume responsibility for the Windows business.
'Humbled'
"It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft," said Sinofsky.
"I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company."
Windows 8 represents the biggest overhaul to Microsoft's flagship product for decades, with the firm looking to link its PC, tablet and smartphone ecosystems in order to take on Apple's iOS and Google's Android.
Ballmer has claimed the other cog in the Windows wheel - its Surface tablet - has got off to a "modest" start, owing to restricted shipments of the device.
[source: Microsoft]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Related Articles
News
May 18th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Mobile Games E12 - Xbox's mobile games store and Unity vs. AppLovin
Top Stories
News
May 31st, 2024
Week in Views - Squad Busters goes global, broken app stores, and Hill Climb Racing gets the LEGO treatment
News
May 31st, 2024
Mobile Movers: All the latest appointments and job moves from around the industry
Events
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Game Access Conference 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Gaymer Pride | North America | Jun 1st |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
Gotland Game Conference 2024 | Nordic | Jun 3rd |
Games Mental Health Summit 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |