Microsoft shuffles its Windows Phone management team

MOBIL SOFTWARE HOUSE Microsoft has said that it wants to replace the head of its Windows Phone business.

The move is part of the firm's ambitions to build on its mobile operating system, and will see it move Andy Lees out of the leading role, according to a report at Allthingsd.

That website has seen an email sent out by jumping shouting Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to employees in which he laid out the plan.

"I have asked Andy Lees to move to a new role working for me on a time-critical opportunity focused on driving maximum impact in 2012 with Windows Phone and Windows 8," said Ballmer in the internal memo. "We have tremendous potential with Windows Phone and Windows 8, and this move sets us up to really deliver against that potential."

Lees will be replaced by Terry Myerson, according to the message, which was reproduced in full by the Seattle Times.

"Terry Myerson will assume Andy's existing responsibilities for leading the Windows Phone Division. As many of you know, Terry played a key and highly successful role working with Andy by leading the engineering work on Windows Phone 7 and 7.5," added Ballmer.

"Terry will now be responsible for Windows Phone development, marketing, and other business functions. Because Terry has been so integrally involved in our Windows Phone work already, I'm confident that he can make a seamless transition to this new and broader leadership responsibility." µ