Microsoft has confirmed that two of their biggest executives are leaving. Robbie Bach, the head of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division, and J Allard, senior VP of design and development for E&D and once the face of Xbox itself, are departing after a combined 41 years at the company.
Bach, who has been with Microsoft for 22 years, will not be leaving just yet. He will be remaining with the company until the fall to "ensure a smooth transition."
"At Microsoft, I’ve been so fortunate to spend more than two decades of my life working with incredible people and doing amazing things like launching Office, Xbox and Xbox Live, the Halo franchise, Windows Phones, Zune and more," said Bach in a press release on his upcoming departure. "I’m at the time in my life where I want to dedicate more time to my family and my nonprofit work, including my work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America."
Bach won’t be replaced when he leaves. Instead, the leaders of the entertainment and mobile divisions will report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
Allard, who has spent 19 years at the company, is believed to be leaving the company as a result of the cancellation of the Microsoft table "Courier".
"J has brought a game-changing creative magic to Microsoft for years, from Windows to Xbox, from Zune to KIN," said Ballmer. "He was one of the key drivers in our early work on the Web, and we’re absolutely delighted that J’s role with the company will evolve in a way that lets all of Microsoft benefit from his business insight, technical depth and keen eye for consumer experience."
[G4TV.com]
