Windows 8 chief leaves

Just a few weeks after Microsoft launched Windows 8 and its Surface tablet line, 23-year company veteran Steven Sinofsky has left the technology giant. Sinofsky was president of Microsoft's Windows and Windows Live departments. He will be replaced by Julie Larson-Green.

Neither Microsoft nor Sinofsky provided any rationale as to why now was the time to leave. In a prepared statement, Sinofsky spoke fondly of his time with Microsoft.

"It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft," Sinofsky said. "I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company."

Sinofsky joined Microsoft in July 1989 in the role of software design engineer. In the span of three years, he was promoted to technical assistant for Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, and in 1999 he became senior vice president of Office. He was promoted again in 2006 when he took on the role of senior vice president of Windows, and in 2009, was again elevated to president of Microsoft's Windows business.

According to a recent profile of Sinofsky at GameSpot sister site CNET, Sinofsky was a controversial leader, reportedly sparring with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.