Steve Ballmer has seen enough of Kevin Johnson who head Microsoft’s platform and services division. Likewise, he was the president of Windows Vista division.
Johnson have three executives reporting directly to him and none have been appointed to take the position of Kevin; instead, Steve Ballmer has asked all these executives to report to him directly. These executives are Steven Sinofsky (lead for next version of Windows), John Devaan (oversees Windows core components and architecture) and Bill Veghte (oversee sales and marketing of Windows).
Kevin Johnson has been with Microsoft for almost 16 years and is believed to be on anyone’s shortlist to become CEO. However, his departure only means serious business for Steve Ballmer who wants to fix their online business services which just posted losses of 1.23 billion dollars. This years’ loss is double than the previous year despite their full swing and intention of consolidating everything in live.
I have a lot of faith in Steve Ballmer. I always believed he have the legendary potential of Jack Welch, the greatest CEO in the 21st century.
Hopefully he can stir Windows and their live services to profitability and stability.