Microsoft Exec Logs off after Yahoo Setback - WARC News

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July 25, 2008

MICROSOFT EXEC LOGS OFF AFTER YAHOO SETBACK

REDMOND, Washington: Microsoft's unsuccessful bid for Yahoo is creating repercussions in the upper echelons of both companies.

Earlier this week the web giant announced it would welcome corporate raider and investor Carl Icahn and two of his nominees on to its board.

Meantime, the software titan has announced the sudden departure of Kevin Johnson, the architect of its ill-fated acquisition attempt.

The 16-year veteran was a long-time lieutenant of ceo Steve Ballmer and president of Microsoft's platforms and services division.

It is unclear whether Johnson's abrupt exit was his idea or his boss's.

Unnamed sources claim he had become frustrated with the company's lack of progress in its online business and was eager to be ceo of another enterprise.

It has been reported, subsequently, that he is taking a top job at Sunnyvale, California-based Juniper Networks, which designs and sells web services.

Through gritted teeth Ballmer lauded Johnson's record at Microsoft, saying: "Kevin has built a supremely talented organisation and laid the foundation for the future success of Windows and our Online Services Business."

And Johnson averred: "I have been so fortunate to have experienced 16 amazing years of building Microsoft's business."

Microsoft has not yet named a successor but has said it will split Johnson's duties.

Data sourced from Financial Times Online; additional content by WARC staff , 25 July 2008

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