Microsoft confirms Yahoo hire

Microsoft confirmed Thursday that it has indeed hired Yahoo search executive Sean Suchter, following speculation this week that he would be joining the software maker after his departure from Yahoo was announced.

"We are very pleased to confirm that Sean Suchter will be joining Microsoft as the GM of our Silicon Valley Search Technology Center, working on Live Search," Microsoft search head Satya Nadella said in a statement. Suchter, who starts work December 22, will report to Harry Shum, corporate vice president of Search Product Development.

The poaching comes as CEO Steve Ballmer reiterated at Microsoft's shareholder meeting Wednesday that it has no interest in buying all of Yahoo, though it remains open to a search partnership.

Microsoft would not comment on a report that another former Yahoo search executive, Qi Lu, is under consideration to head Microsoft's online efforts.

[Mr. Dee]

Is this similar to 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?' or the other way around? A Yahoo brain drain seems like a smart move on Microsoft's part.

[Seaspray0]

You can bet Yang wishes he could turn the clock back now.

[rexworld]

If I were a Yahoo stockholder I'd be a little pissed off that Yahoo apparently doesn't have non-compete clauses for critical leaders like Mr. Suchter in the company.

[Seaspray0]

But they have a golden parachute for the execs incase someone tries to buy the company! Wait, the stockholders should be p^$$ed about that too. Sorry.

[kksing]

Yahoo is incorporated in California. Non-compete clauses have been ruled to be unenforceable in California.

[bugzrrad]

re: kksing

but he is going to MS in WA state; wouldn't the non-compete be valid?

[monkeyfun14]

@bugzrrad no cause he was working at a office in cali

[bugzrrad]

NM; I see he's staying in silicon valley