Microsoft exec shuffle continues
In the latest reorganization of Microsoft executives, the software maker on Friday announced a new leadership team of Windows and Windows Live executives reporting to Steven Sinofsky, who was tapped in March to head those development efforts.
Three of Sinofsky's new lieutenants are moving from the Office unit, of which Sinofsky is also a veteran. Julie Larson-Green, who has been overseeing the user interface revamp of Office 2007, will lead up program management for Windows Experience. Grant George, who has led testing for the Office unit, will move into a similar role for Windows. Also on the testing side, Arthur DeHaan moves over from Office to head up testing for Windows Live.
Getting a new role in the shuffle will be Windows exec Chris Jones. Jones, who was head of the Windows core development and currently is in charge of the Vista client development work, will shift to overseeing "Windows Live Experience" program management. He will start the new role once Vista ships.
Separately, Microsoft is creating a new unit within its Mobile and Embedded Devices business. The new unit, dubbed the Consumer Media Technology Group, will be headed by Amir Majidimehr and handle several tasks including digital rights management technology for mobile operators, getting Microsoft technology into consumer electronics devices including HD DVD players and crafting Microsoft's broader digital media strategy involving software, services and Windows CE.
Friday's move represents continued fallout from a massive companywide reorganization that began last September, as well as the Windows leadership changes announced in March. Microsoft moved some other executives in its small and midsize business unit earlier this week.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina.
