Veteran Microsoft Corp. executive Kevin Johnson, who headed the software giant’s online business and played a key role in the bid to buy Yahoo Inc., is leaving the company, Microsoft announced Wednesday.
Johnson is president of Microsoft’s platforms and services division, which includes both the online services business and Windows software for personal computers. He will depart to run network services provider Juniper Networks Inc. (JNPR), according to an online report Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal, which first reported Johnson’s departure.
Microsoft also said that the division that Johnson headed will be split into two groups: Windows/Windows Live and Online Services. Both groups will report directly to Chief Executive Steve Ballmer fast cash advance.
"Kevin has built a supremely talented organization," Ballmer said in a statement. "This new structure will give us more agility and focus in two very competitive arenas."
Mr. Johnson was part of the small team of Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) executives that led the effort in January to bid for Yahoo (YHOO, Fortune 500). The deal, which ultimately fell through, was valued at nearly $50 billion.
"Microsoft is a special place and presents opportunity to so many," Johnson said, citing his 16 years at the company.
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