News

Another Microsoft Exec Leaves

John Lauer, who headed Microsoft’s Small and Midsize Solutions & Partner Group, announced he is leaving the company to launch his own startup.

Lauer’s new venture will focus on products and services for mid-size companies that use Microsoft’s CRM applications. In a prepared statement a company spokesman said, "Microsoft deeply appreciates the contributions John has made through his leadership of the Midmarket team."

Davide Vigano, a 19-year veteran of the company who most recently served as general manager of the Small and Midmarket Solutions & Partner group, will replace Lauer. Before that Vigano served as deputy general manager and business marketing officer of Microsoft Italy, where he was responsible for the enterprise sales group and central marketing organization. He was also general manager of public sector and healthcare for the Enterprise Solutions Group from 1996 to 2001.

Lauer is the third Micrsoft executive to announce his departure this month. Earlier this week the company named Satya Nardella, a corporate vice president, to replace Doug Burgum, and Brian Valentine, who headed up Windows client development left to join Amazon.com.

Lauer was unavailable for comment.

About the Author

Ed Scannell is the editor of Redmond magazine.