A Microsoft executive shuffle will be formally announced on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the company's plans.
The move will see three top executives leaving the company, including two prominent outside hires. Exiting Microsoft are senior vice president Steven Berkowitz who was head of Microsoft's online services unit, and Mike Sievert the former AT&T Wireless executive brought in to run Windows marketing.
Both Sievert and Berkowitz had already seen some duties handed off to others at the company since their departures were expected.
Mike Sievert (Credit: Microsoft)
Also leaving is Pieter Knook, longtime head of Microsoft's Windows Mobile unit.
Knook, Sievert, and Berkowitz were not immediately available to comment. A Microsoft representative declined to comment on the moves.
As part of the changes, Bill Veghte will add Windows Live marketing oversight to his responsibility of running the Windows business unit. On the mobile side, longtime server and tools unit executive Andy Lees is heading over to the Mobile and Embedded devices unit.
Other promotions are also expected, though the changes are not expected to result in any major re-organisation of the businesses themselves, sources said.
It remains uncertain who will replace the departing executives, but it is expected that an influx of high-level staff will find their way to the software giant should it acquire Yahoo.
Today's report comes after the company's announcement that former Macromedia CEO Stephen Elop will be replacing Jeff Raikes as head of Microsoft's business division after retiring from his 26 year tenure at the company.
Sievert told ZDNet.com.au's sister site CNET News.com that he decided to leave Microsoft over the holidays and plans to start his own company. "When I told the company about my plans, we decided to wait until these other changes to announce my departure, to enable a smooth transition of leadership," he said.
"I'm excited about the next adventure but I will miss the challenges at Microsoft," Sievert said. "It is a great company with great people."
