Microsoft Corp. promoted Steven
Sinofsky to president of the Windows Division. Sinofsky, a 20-year Microsoft
veteran, most recently led the Windows and Windows Live Engineering Group,
contributing to the Oct. 22 availability of Windows 7.
As president, Sinofsky assumes responsibility for the Windows business
including both the engineering and marketing functions for Windows, Windows
Live and Internet Explorer.
“Steven Sinofsky has demonstrated the ability to lead large teams that
deliver great products. The work he and the team have done in getting ready to
ship Windows 7 really defines how to develop and ship world-class software,”
said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “He is a perfect fit to lead the Windows
group.”
Sinofsky began his career at Microsoft in 1989 in engineering and has
held multiple positions on Microsoft product teams. His full biography can be
found here.
In addition, Tami Reller, currently chief financial officer (CFO) for the
Windows Division, will take on the additional responsibility for marketing.
Bill Veghte will be moving to a new leadership role in the company to be
announced later this year. The transition between Reller and Veghte is timed
to take place in late July when Windows 7 reaches the release to manufacturing
(RTM) milestone.
Reller joined Microsoft in 2001 as part of the acquisition of Great
Plains Software Inc. Reller was the CFO of Great Plains at the time of
acquisition and had previously served in a number of senior marketing, sales
and general management roles. Since joining Microsoft, she has held a variety
of leadership positions including corporate vice president of marketing for
Microsoft Business Solutions, where she was responsible for the launch of the
Microsoft Dynamics brand. She will report to Sinofsky and will retain her
responsibilities as CFO.
“In addition to her in-depth knowledge of the Windows business, I’m
excited that Tami will bring to Windows her experience in marketing and
finance, along with a history of fostering a strong and profitable partner
ecosystem in business software,” Sinofsky said.
Jon DeVaan will continue in his role as senior vice president, reporting
to Sinofsky. DeVaan managed the engineering team responsible for creating the
core components of both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. DeVaan is a
25-year Microsoft veteran whose full biography can be found here.
