Microsoft has announced that Robbie Bach, president of the company's Entertainment and Devices Division, will retire from the company in the autumn. The E&D division is responsible for music (Zune), gaming (Xbox) and for Windows Phone products. From 1st July, Senior Vice President Andy Lees – who currently runs the Mobile Communications Business – will report directly to CEO Steve Ballmer, as will his Interactive Entertainment Business counterpart Don Mattrick.
J Allard, senior vice president of Design and Development for E&D, will also be leaving Microsoft, although he'll become an advisor for Steve Ballmer and his leadership team.
Steve Ballmer said "For the past 22 years, Robbie has personified creativity, innovation and drive. With this spirit, he has led a division passionately devoted to making Microsoft successful in interactive entertainment and mobility. Robbie’s an amazing business person and close personal friend, which makes his departure a point of sadness for me. However, given the strong leadership team he has built, the business performance of E&D this year and the launches of Windows Phone 7 and ‘Project Natal’ this fall, we are set up well for success as we continue to drive our mobile and entertainment businesses forward."