On the Bleeding Edge: Windows Chief Steven Sinofsky is Out (UPDATE)

This is the definition of unexpected. 3 year head of the Windows division and 23 year Microsoft veteran Steven Sinofsky is “leaving” Microsoft. Of course, we doubt “leaving” as he has been one of the most, if not the most influential Microsoft executive in the past months. He has been the dedicated driving force of Windows 8 and the Surface, so his quick departure seems more like a forced exit not of Sinofsky’s own volition. Sinofsky has been known to be a divisive personality in Microsoft, pitting groups against other groups to bring unified goals to the forefront at the subjugation of other Microsoft groups with differing visions for products. We cannot express this enough: something is amiss, and that may well be Windows 8’s performance in the marketplace. You’ll be sure we’ll be staying tuned for the details.

UPDATE: The Verge is reporting that Microsoft had planned this move, as Sinofsky’s abrasive personality has seemingly led to his departure. He was kept on for the critical release of Windows 8, but after that, Sinofsky was an open target. Team players are more important than ever, and Sinofsky didn’t fit the bill.

SOURCE: The Verge