Windows President Steven Sinofsky Leaves Microsoft

Windows President Steven Sinofsky Leaves Microsoft

Steven Sinofsky, the president of Microsoft’s mighty Windows division, has left the company. Julie Larson-Green will take over daily responsibilities for Windows software and hardware engineering, while CFO Tami Reller will take the reins of the Windows business. Microsoft has posted a press release on its site confirming the changes, but what they don’t give us is a reason why.

Sinofsky had a talent for turning even the most mundane new Windows feature into a 10,000 word blog post, but on his departure he would say only the following:

"It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft. I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company."

Steven Sinofsky is known as the Microsoft executive who didn’t always play nice, but always got the job done. Sinofsky took the helm of the Windows division back in July 2009, and picked up the pieces after a disastrous Windows Vista launch. Windows 7 made Sinofsky a household name, but Windows 8 will no doubt be his legacy.

Now that he has departed, will the history books remember him as the man who saved, or derailed Windows? Only time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

UPDATE #1: Winsupersite.com has posted a copy of Steve Ballmer's email to employees, along with Steve Sinofsky's.

UPDATE #2: TheVerge.com claims to have sources that suggest a "clash of personalities" is to blame for the sudden departure.

Follow Justin on Twitter