Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky on the way out

Microsoft has a change of leadership in the works, with the company just announcing that Windows head Steven Sinofsky is on the way out. Also in the works is the promotion of Julie Larson-Green, who will take the helm of hardware engineering and all Windows software. Finally, there's Tami Reller, who will take over the business aspect of Windows, in addition to her positions of chief financial office and chief marketing officer.

The change will take effect immediately, according to a memo that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent out shortly before the changes were publicly announced. Sinofsky joined Microsoft back in 1989 as a software development engineer, worked as a technical adviser to Bill Gates, and, among other things, has worked as the lead for Windows and Windows Live. He also directed and lead extensively for the newly-released Surface.

Sinofsky said, "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." Ballmer also had a few things to say about the Windows head. "I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company."

As for Larson-Green, she has worked on a variety of Microsoft products, including Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office. She was responsible for UI design, program management, and research for Windows 7 and Windows 8, among other things. Tami Reller began working with Windows in 2007 from the Microsoft Dynamics Division, where she held positions in leadership.

[via Microsoft]