Vice President In Charge of Windows Live Leaves Microsoft

Published: June 21, 2006

by Alex Woodie

A top aide to Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer, Martin Taylor, left his post at the software giant Tuesday, in what could be the beginning of a shake-up of the executive ranks following Bill Gates' announcement last week that he is significantly reducing his role at the company.

Taylor, a 13-year veteran at Microsoft, had been named corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN marketing in March. He was quoted in a Monday press release announcing the launch of Windows Live Messenger, a strong indication that this move came as a surprise to at least one of the parties.

Before taking over Windows Live and MSN marketing, Taylor served as general manager of Platform Strategy, where he was responsible for setting the company's Windows Server System business strategy, as well as its competitive strategy, in particular against Linux. He was also a top aide to Ballmer.

Microsoft's Web site confirmed that Taylor is no longer with the company. The Wall Street Journal, which broke the story, quoted the company as saying that it does not comment on personnel matters.

Although Gates said as recently as last week that Microsoft has a very strong executive team in place and a strong product pipeline, there has been widespread speculation that his departure could spur the company to look for new leadership, particularly in key positions. Windows Live, which is the tip of the spear in Microsoft's assault on Google and its growing arsenal of Web-based services, is a very important area for Microsoft at the moment.

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