Windows exec Valentine leaves Microsoft
Brian Valentine, a 19-year Microsoft veteran and one of the key executives behind Windows Vista, has left the company.
Microsoft confirmed Valentine's departure late Tuesday, just hours after the company said it was expanding testing for the oft-delayed Vista.
Brian Valentine
"The purpose of this note is to let you know that now that Windows Vista RC1 has shipped; Brian Valentine has decided to leave Microsoft and join another local Seattle company," according to an email sent to CNET News.com. "The Windows Vista project remains on track with Brian's team reporting into Jim Allchin. "
The Seattle Times and the Seattle Post Intelligencer reported on Tuesday that Valentine will join Amazon.com later this month as a senior vice president. An Amazon representative confirmed the move on Wednesday.
In August, Microsoft announced a reorganization that would have meant Valentine taking on a new role in the company once Vista shipped.
Mike Ricciuti joined CNET in 1996. He is now CNET News' Boston-based executive editor and east coast bureau chief, serving as department editor for business technology and software covered by CNET News, Reviews, and Download.com. E-mail Mike. 
