The world of technology can be quite confusing with the excess of Steves, Stevens and Stephens controlling everything, but this particular Stephen stands out from the rest for one reason. Stephen Elop, the key figure behind the 'absorption' of Nokia by Microsoft, is leaving the Redmond giant. The official reasons reveal a new restructuring in the company, but more than one is wondering what will be the next company Elop infiltrates…
It is impossible to forget that famous memo by Stephen Elop in which he talked about burning platforms and the need to change the behavior of Nokia as a company. What at first glance tried to pass as a story of heroism and determination carried a much darker message underneath: Nokia's days as a mobile device provider were numbered, since the market's priority was nothing less than a war of ecosystems. But instead of giving Nokia the dynamic it needed, he decided to adopt Windows Phone, which sank the company's value even further (to be honest, Nokia didn't need more help for that at this point), and allowed Microsoft to buy the devices division for a fraction of its cost. Elop returned to Redmond under the wing of Microsoft Mobile, marking a sort of "mission accomplished".
A new restructuring at Microsoft
Well, even soldiers must step aside, and yesterday, Elop's departure was confirmed, along with other Microsoft executives. Basically, CEO Satya Nadella initiated a restructuring to form the new Windows and Devices Group, which will be led by executive vice president Terry Myerson. According to Nadella's own words, both agreed that this was "the right moment" for his departure, and that he "regrets the loss of leadership" this represents, a typical "non-statement" that CEOs make when something like this happens. The other executive who will leave Microsoft in September is CSO Mark Penn, whom many remember for the famous and regrettable Scroogled campaign. Penn's immediate plan is to create a capital fund, but his ties to the world of politics are well known, and next year there will be presidential elections on the other side of the pond, so no one rules out his return to that circle.
Microsoft's busy months ahead
Microsoft will definitely have its hands full in the coming months. The launch of Windows 10, more titles and services for the Xbox One, the development of HoloLens, new Lumia devices, and the always demanding business environment are not minor details. Somehow, both Elop and Penn simply stopped fitting into Microsoft's future vision, but the Web loves conspiracies, and many are imagining that Elop will return to his role of "undercover agent"...
