November 20, 2008 12:06 PM PST

Microsoft confirms Yahoo hire

by Ina Fried
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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.

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.
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by Mr. Dee November 20, 2008 1:33 PM PST
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.
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by Seaspray0 November 20, 2008 3:44 PM PST
You can bet Yang wishes he could turn the clock back now.
by rexworld November 20, 2008 1:44 PM PST
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.
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by Seaspray0 November 20, 2008 3:50 PM PST
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.
by kksing November 20, 2008 5:07 PM PST
Yahoo is incorporated in California. Non-compete clauses have been ruled to be unenforceable in California.
by bugzrrad November 21, 2008 3:29 PM PST
re: kksing

but he is going to MS in WA state; wouldn't the non-compete be valid?
by monkeyfun14 November 21, 2008 5:07 PM PST
@bugzrrad no cause he was working at a office in cali
by bugzrrad November 21, 2008 3:31 PM PST
NM; I see he's staying in silicon valley
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About Beyond Binary

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.


Beyond Binary is a look at how technology is changing our lives and the people behind all that life-changing stuff, with an extra emphasis on that which emanates from Redmond, Wash.

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