Bach, Allard Depart Microsoft  By CIOinsight  |  Posted
05-26-2010 Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices (E&D) Division,
responsible for consumer products such as the Xbox and Zune
media player, underwent a massive shake-up, with Robbie Bach,
the unit's president, and J Allard, its senior vice president of
Design and Development, both stepping down from their current
positions. J Allard's departure had been preceded by days of
rumors, but Bach's retirement came as more of a surprise to
outside observers. J Allard will remain onboard as a consultant
to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Microsoft named two other
executives to manage the division's assets, although the unit's
ultimate structure remains unclear.  The Entertainment and
Devices Division is dedicated to more consumer-centric
endeavors, such as the Xbox, the Zune media player and software
for mobile devices like the recently released Kin phones.