Sales Organization Executives Step Down

Joachim Kempin, a 17-year Microsoft employee and a key witness in the Department of Justice (DoJ) antitrust case, plans to step down from his position as senior vice president of the OEM Division and take on unspecified special projects at Microsoft. As of July 1, Kempin will be replaced by Richard Roy, the current General Manager of Microsoft’s German subsidiary. In addition, Thomas Koll, the vice president of the Network Solutions Group, announced his departure from the company.

Kempin Steps Down

Kempin has played a key part in Microsoft’s history, leading the OEM Division for more than a dozen years, during which he oversaw the company’s relations with computer manufacturers. In fiscal year 2000, which ended June 30, 2000, the OEM division contributed US$7.01 billion to Microsoft’s US$22.96 billion in revenues.

As of July 1, 2001, Kempin will oversee unspecified projects, reporting directly to CEO Steve Ballmer. His replacement, Roy, has been with Microsoft in Germany since 1997, and has extensive experience with Siemens Nixdorf and Hewlett Packard.