Report: Top Microsoft online strategy executive moving to Juniper Networks
Microsoft Corp. said Kevin Johnson — a top executive responsible for online strategy — is leaving the company, and a report in the Wall Street Journal said he's moving to Juniper Networks Inc.
Microsoft also announced it is splitting the division that Johnson headed, platforms and services, into two separate units, Windows/Windows Live and online services. Both will both report directly to CEO Steve Ballmer.
"This new structure will give us more agility and focus in two very competitive arenas," Ballmer said in a statement. "It has been a pleasure to work with Kevin, and we wish him well in the future."
Microsoft did not say when Johnson would step down. The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the situation, reported that Johnson is headed to Sunnyvale-based Juniper Networks (NASDAQ:JNPR). Representatives of Juniper Networks could not immediately be reached for comment.
Johnson's departure comes on the heels of Microsoft's failed bid to buy or team up with Sunnyvale-based Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) guaranteed cash advance.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) had sought to acquire Yahoo to build share in the online search market dominated by Mountain View-based Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) Yahoo rejected Microsoft's offer, which was initially valued at $44 billion.
Johnson was responsible for product development, marketing and strategy for Microsoft's Windows software and online services businesses. He oversaw a division of more than 14,000 employees, according to Microsoft's website.
Johnson joined Microsoft in 1992.
Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle)