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Windows Boss Leaves Microsoft

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In a sudden announcement Windows unit president Steven Sinofsky leaves Microsoft-- barely a month after the Windows 8 and Surface launches.

SinofskySinofsky is a Microsoft veteran, having joined the company as a software design engineer in July 1989. He led Windows development since 2006, following a long stint at the Office unit.

Taking over his duties are Windows 7 and 8 head of UX Juli Larson-Green and Windows CFO Tami Reller.

In a farewell letter to employees, Sinofsky writes "I have decided it is time for me to take a step back from my responsibilities at Microsoft. I’ve always advocated using the break between product cycles as an opportunity to reflect and to look ahead, and that applies to me too."

Microsoft gives no explanation for the departure (CEO Steve Ballmer simply describes it as a "leadership change"), but according to All Things D the departure is the result of "growing tension between Sinofsky and other top executives."

The All Things D sources describe Sinofsky as both "highly talented" and a "divisive figure"-- one not enough of a team player for the top brass at Microsoft.

One might compare the Sinofsky departure with that of iOS VP Scott Forstall from Apple, seeing how both signed off potentially unpopular software developments (the union of desktop and Metro in Windows 8 and the iOS Maps fiasco respectively).

Now Microsoft continues work within Sinofsky's legacy to the company, the post-Windows 8 era-- and promises "more integrated and rapid development cycles for our offerings."

Go Microsoft Announces Leadership Changes

Go Windows Head Steven Sinofsky to Leave Microsoft (All Things D)