Another Microsoft Net exec departs

Another executive from Microsoft's Internet division has left the company.

Ben Slivka, a general manager in Microsoft's Consumer and Commerce Group, has departed to become director of information technology at Amazon.com, the companies confirmed today.

Slivka was considered a member of the core management team heading the software giant's charge onto the Internet. He left Microsoft last Friday and will assume his post at Amazon next Tuesday.

Slivka joins a growing list of Microsoft executives who have left or taken time off this year. Earlier this summer, Microsoft's chief technologist, Nathan Myhrvold, and vice president John Ludwig each said they would take a leave of absence.

Departures since the beginning of the year include former WebTV president Steve Perlman and Pete Higgins, who ran Microsoft's interactive media group, which included the MSN network of Web sites.

Slivka will report to chief information officer Rick Dalzell, Amazon said.