J Allard, chief experience officer and chief technology officer at Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division, may be on his way out of the company.
That’s according to ZDNet’s unnamed sources, who claim the 15 year Microsoft veteran is on sabbatical and is unlikely to return to the firm.
The site suggests that Microsoft’s decision not to pursue the Courier Tablet Allard had been working on may be behind his leave of absence. One source claims that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer pushed Allard toward the exit door over disagreements about the device’s potential.
Microsoft told the site that it’s “not commenting on rumor or speculation”.
A founding father of the Xbox brand, Allard was instrumental in the development and launch of the console, managing its technical development. Also a key player in the development and launch of Xbox Live and XNA, Allard is credited with helping shape Microsoft’s wider internet strategy.