It;s only Tuesday but there have already been back-to-back reviews this week that two important mergers and acqusitions leaders at Microsoft have flown the coop.On January three,
Microsoft Office 2007 Key, TechCrunch reported that Senior Director of Corporate Technique and Acquisitions Fritz Lanman was leaving the enterprise to run a startup. On January four,
Windows 7 64 Bit, AllThingsD reported that Common Manager of Corporate Strategy Charles Songhurst also was leaving the provider.(Microsoft officials — for now — are not confirming either departure. I asked.)Both Lanman and Songhurst played roles in Microsoft;s aborted attempt to buy Yahoo and the subsequent partnership between the two companies. Both seemingly had direct channels to CEO Steve Ballmer.Lanman;s LinkedIn profile notes that he “like(s) to start,
Office 2007 Key, build and invest in great companies and non-profits.” So TechCrunch;s report seems plausible.And according to one Wall Streeter with whom I spoke,
Microsoft Office 2007, Songhurst;s departure has been rumored for a while. “He likes to manage money,” said my contact,
Windows 7 Key, who added he wouldn;t be surprised to see him surface at an investment bank.The noted departures of the pair come on the heels of a year when Microsoft made very few acquisitions.