Online, Windows Chief Johnson Leaves

Platforms and Services President Kevin Johnson is leaving Microsoft to become the CEO of Juniper Networks. Johnson had held his role at Microsoft since late 2005—first as co-president with Jim Allchin, then by himself after Allchin’s retirement in early 2007. He oversaw Microsoft’s advertising-supported online efforts and Windows desktop business, and his unexpected departure comes at a difficult time for both.

Tough Times for Online, Windows

Johnson oversaw Microsoft’s Online business group, which includes online services for consumers, such as Live Search, Windows Live, and MSN. It also includes platforms and services for advertisers and publishers, which were mostly acquired with aQuantive in summer 2007. There he helped drive Microsoft’s bid to acquire all or part of Yahoo as a quick way to increase Microsoft’s advertising reach and search market share. Microsoft broke off acquisition talks in May 2008 after several months of highly publicized offers and counteroffers, and subsequent offers to buy Yahoo’s search business have so far been rebuffed.