I did not see this coming at all. Steven Sinofsky has left Microsoft. He was the head of the Windows team during development of Windows 8 and the Surface. His departure from the company is not related to the mentioned products, but rather a personality clash with other employees.

I wish Steven well in his future endeavors. His replacements are Julie Larson-Green and Tami Reller. I can’t wait to see what these two can come up with. The both sound like very intelligent and capable women.

Microsoft Corp. today announced that Windows and Windows Live President Steven Sinofsky will be leaving the company and that Julie Larson-Green will be promoted to lead all Windows software and hardware engineering. Tami Reller retains her roles as chief financial officer and chief marketing officer and will assume responsibility for the business of Windows. Both executives will report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.