Sales, Security, Strategy Leaders Move On

Longtime enterprise sales leaders have left Microsoft, while engineering management has changed for Microsoft’s cloud, security, search, and hardware businesses, and a key advisor to the CEO is stepping down. The changes are unlikely to alter the company’s fiscal 2012 plan, although some could complicate its execution. (This article outlines changes at the corporate vice-presidential level and above since publication of the Aug. 2011 Directions on Microsoft online OrgChart.)

Enterprise, Public Sector Sales Chiefs Depart

The longtime sales leader for large organizations has left Microsoft, as has its top sales executive for government agencies. A top consumer sales and marketing executive has also moved on. Separately, Microsoft has promoted its leader for the Middle East and Africa.

Simon Witts has left Microsoft and his position as corporate vice president, Enterprise and Partner Group. The group leads sales and partner relationships for the company’s largest business and public sector customers, accounting for 37% of the company’s revenues in its most recent fiscal year. No replacement has been named for Witts, who has held the position since 2003 and who reported directly to Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. Witts joined Microsoft in 1993 and has also held a variety of sales positions, including general manager of Microsoft Canada and head of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.