Entertainment and Devices Leaders Leaving

Two top executives in Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices (E&D) Division, President Robert Bach and Chief Experiences Officer J Allard, have announced their retirements from the company, leaving CEO Steve Ballmer in direct control of the mobile and gaming businesses. The leadership change won’t alter short-term strategy or product roadmaps for the division, but it is probably a precursor to more widespread organizational changes. Microsoft also announced that Office leader Antoine Leblond will move to lead the new Windows Web Services division, with longtime SharePoint leader Kurt DelBene taking his place, among other changes.

Entertainment and Devices Shakeup

The E&D Division is being reorganized, with some business units reporting directly to Ballmer and others moving to other parts of the company. The division is one of the company’s five publicly reported business segments and is responsible for strategy, production, and marketing for the following areas:

• Gaming products