Microsoft's Mac unit gets new chief
The software maker names Craig Eisler, a former Softie who rejoined the company in February to head its Apple efforts. Roz Ho shifts to an unspecified role in Robbie Bach's Entertainment and Devices unit.
Microsoft's Mac unit is getting a new boss.
The software maker said on Friday that Craig Eisler, a former Softie who rejoined the company in February, will take the helm of the Macintosh Business Unit, as the company works to finish Office 2008 for Mac in time for a release in the second half of the year.
Eisler replaces Roz Ho, who has led the group for several years. Ho is moving to an unspecified role in Robbie Bach's Entertainment and Devices unit, working on "special projects," according to a Microsoft rep. Eisler posted his own welcome note on Microsoft's Mac Mojo blog, noting that he's a big Apple fan.
"With Craig's deep background in technology and product development, his demonstrated business leadership, and his respect for Apple, I have every confidence that he will continue to drive a productive relationship with Apple and carry on the Macintosh Business Unit's tradition of delivering outstanding native Mac productivity software," corporate VP Tom Gibbons said in a statement.
Eisler worked as a development manager for DirectX during his first stint at Microsoft, then went on to serve as CEO of wireless software developer Action Engine and helped start AOL Wireless.