Microsoft Ousts Head of Windows Phone Unit

Microsoft is giving the current head of its Windows Phone business, Andy Lees, a new role in the company. This change comes as sales of smartphones based on this operating system remain anemic.. 

Reportedly, CEO Steve Ballmer asked Lees to aid in a time-sensitive matter, focusing on ways Microsoft can work across multiple types of devices, including phones, tablets and PCs.

“I have asked Andy Lees to move to a new role working for me on a time-critical opportunity focused on driving maximum impact in 2012 with Windows Phone and Windows 8,” Ballmer said in an internal memo documented in the report. “We have tremendous potential with Windows Phone and Windows 8, and this move sets us up to really deliver against that potential.”

Terry Myerson, the corporate VP who has led engineering efforts for Windows Phone, will now also participate in business development and marketing, among other responsibilities. While it is unclear if this is an actual promotion for Lees or if the company has pulled him off the phone unit due to unimpressive sales, Lees will still hold the title of president, despite his absence from development of the mobile OS. 

Next year will prove a critical time for Microsoft’s phone efforts, with Nokia releasing its first batch of Windows Phone devices in the U.S. 

Source: AllThingsD