Microsoft continues ad exec shuffle
Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it is shifting several executives into its advertising business amid a continuing executive shuffle.
The company said that Satya Nadella, who has been heading the Microsoft Dynamics product line, will head a newly formed Search and Ad Platform Group. Nadella will report to Kevin Johnson, the president of Microsoft's Platform and Services Division. Also moving into that new group is Harry Shum, who leads Microsoft Research Asia. Shum will continue in that role, but also add the title of chief scientist for the new group, responsible for coordinating short- and long-term research and development.
The new unit includes the Live Search business and Microsoft's AdCenter ad-serving engine.
Wednesday's announcement follows word that two other top executives--Christopher Payne and Blake Irving--are leaving Microsoft.
Nadella will shift roles by April 19, with corporate VP Tami Reller, serving as acting leader for the Dynamics unit, reporting to Business Division President Jeff Raikes.
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. 
