Another executive shuffle took place at Microsoft after Platform & Services Division president Kevin Johnson ditched the company in favor of the CEO role at Juniper Networks.
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The man with responsibility for navigating the choppy waters of Microsoft’s battle with Google opted to head for the lifeboats. Long-time executive Johnson wrapped up 16 years with Microsoft and headed for network hardware maker Juniper.
Microsoft said in a statement Johnson’s old Division would be split into two groups: Windows/Windows Live and Online Services, both under CEO Steve Ballmer. A trio of senior vice presidents will head the Windows Live side.
As for Online Services, and the duty of trying to find a way to carve out some of Google’s share of the online search and advertising markets, Microsoft plans to create a new senior leadership role. Satya Nadella, currently running the search, ad, and MSN engineering efforts, apparently will stay in that position and report to the new lead.
Johnson held a prominent role over the past few months with regards to Microsoft’s failed attempt to acquire Yahoo. All Things D said he served as the point person for those negotiations, which ultimately ended with Yahoo signing a search advertising deal with Google.
All Things D also cited the internal memo from Ballmer to Microsoft regarding the latest reorganization, and Johnson’s departure. Ballmer told employees the Yahoo takeover attempts were “a tactic, not a strategy” to expand Microsoft’s search and advertising share.
“Search is the key to unlocking the enormous market opportunities in advertising, and it is an area that is ripe for innovation,” Ballmer said.
