Time to get serious
Possibly hastened by the earlier rumour, Microsoft has announced the impending retirement of Robbie Bach - the president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices (E&D) division. His position won't be filled, and Ballmer will take personal control of the pivotal division in Microsoft's quest to keep up with Apple and Google in the mobile Internet space.
Current heads of the interactive entertainment business and the mobile communications business - Don Mattrick and Andy Lees, respectively - Will report directly to Ballmer from 1 July. "I have the utmost confidence in Steve, Don and Andy and their ability to see through our mission of bringing extraordinary entertainment and mobility experiences to life for people around the world," said Bach.
"One measure of a leader is the team he assembles around him, and Robbie built an incredible team. Don and Andy are exactly the right leaders to carry our entertainment and mobility efforts forward," said Ballmer, who also confirmed that J Allard, the design and development head of E&D will leave Microsoft but continue to provide Ballmer with some kind of advisory support.
"J has brought a game-changing creative magic to Microsoft for years, from Windows to Xbox, from Zune to KIN," said Ballmer. "He was one of the key drivers in our early work on the Web, and we're absolutely delighted that J's role with the company will evolve in a way that lets all of Microsoft benefit from his business insight, technical depth and keen eye for consumer experience."
Bach had been with Microsoft for 22 years, Allard for 19. This looks like a general admission that the skills and knowledge these guys contributed to get Microsoft this far don't translate to the mobile Internet era, and it was time to call it a day. Microsoft had better hope the same doesn't apply to Ballmer.
