Microsoft Corp. has promoted Julie Larson-Green to lead all Windows software and hardware engineering, succeeding Windows and Windows Live president Steven Sinofsky.
Larson-Green will lead all future Windows product development and future hardware opportunities, according to a company statement,
“Leading Windows engineering is an incredible challenge and opportunity, and as I looked at the technical and business skills required to continue our Windows trajectory — great communication skills, a proven ability to work across product groups, strong design, deep technical expertise, and a history of anticipating and meeting customer needs — it was clear to me that Julie is the best possible person for this job, and I’m excited to have her in this role, ” said Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer.
She also helped drive the thinking behind the refresh of the user experience for Microsoft Office.
She was responsible for the program management of Windows 7 and Windows 8 user interface design and research and the development of all international releases.
Larson-Green graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and from Seattle University with a Master’s degree in Software Engineering.
In other executive news, chief financial officer and chief marketing officer Tami Reller will now lead the Windows business.
She will be responsible for driving the business and marketing strategy for Windows devices, including surface and partner devices.
Joining Windows in 2007, Reller held a number of leadership positions in the Microsoft dynamics division.
She joined Great Plains Software in 1984 while still in college and went on to become its chief financial officer when Microsoft acquired the company in 2001.
Larson-Green and Reller will report directly to Ballmer. Both leadership changes are effective immediately.
