Marketing Pilgrim

I’m sure you’re one of many generations to ask the question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg the top exec resignation or the company reorganization?

Your brain will get balled-up in a knot today, with the news that Microsoft will reorganize its online services and Windows groups as top exec Kevin Johnson leaves to become CEO at Juniper Networks.

[Johnson's] departure coincides with a reorganization of his unit, which had included both online services and Microsoft’s flagship Windows software. Now, Microsoft said, online services and Windows will be split into two groups.

Microsoft will name a new "senior lead position" for its online services unit, the company said in a statement, while senior vice presidents Steven Sinofsky, Jon DeVaan and Bill Veghte will lead the Windows and Windows live units.

Johnson played a key role in Microsoft’s aggressive attempts to acquire Yahoo, which makes you now wonder if that will ever get done–Juniper was likely Johnson’s back-up plan.

So, back to our initial question. Did Microsoft lose Johnson, then decide that was enough to warrant a huge reorganization? Or, did the reorg come first, and Johnson decided he didn’t want any part of it?

I’m going with door number 1. What say you?

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