Microsoft Search Leader To Leave Company
Christopher Payne, who most recently served as vice president of Microsoft's Windows Live Search group, is leaving the software company, according to people familiar with the situation. A person familiar with the situation says that Mr. Payne is leaving to start his own company, to be based in Seattle. A spokesman for Microsoft wouldn't comment.
Mr. Payne's departure comes amid a broader set of changes wrought by Microsoft Senior Vice President Steve Berkowitz, who was hired last year from search engine Ask.com to head Microsoft's online group. On Monday Mr. Berkowitz named three new marketing managers to the online group, including one who will oversee search marketing.
A replacement for Mr. Payne hasn't been named, said a person familiar with the situation.