EXCLUSIVE: Mystery surrounds the sudden exit of David Mclean the former head of Microsoft’s consumer business in Australia.
According to sources Mclean quit the Company last week with Microsoft now looking for a new director of their recently formed consumer channels group. Mclean a 16 year veteran of Microsoft was the senior Xbox executive who said that “There is no red ring of death problem wit the XBox” two weeks prior to Microsoft announcing a $1.3 Billion dollar fix for the problem that resulted in Xbox gaming consoles falling over due to overheating.
At Microsoft Australia McLean was responsible for driving strategy for Windows PCs, Windows Phones, Xbox 360, Microsoft Office and Microsoft keyboards and peripherals through Telco, PC, Online and retail channels.
 |
The new Consumer Channels Group brings together Microsoft’s current Retail, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), distribution and Mobile Operator teams into one integrated organisation and will be a single point of contact for Microsoft’s consumer-channels strategy.
Pip Marlow, Managing Director, of Microsoft Australia said at the time of his appointment as director of the newly formed consumer channel group “David’s passion for delivering great experiences for consumers is inspiring and he leads with real vision, heart and commitment. As an existing member of the senior leadership team, I already benefit from David’s experience, skills and knowledge and I’m looking forward to working with him closely as he brings his leadership skills to our consumer channels team.”
Prior to his appointment to head the consumer channel group he was entertainment and devices regional director, Australia and New Zealand, responsible for Xbox 360, Kinect, games and Microsoft PC hardware, Windows and Office at retail.
Before joining Microsoft, David’s career focused on financial accountability and he held various roles including business manager with Datacom, business analyst with Thompson Financial Group and other financial controller and accounting roles.
According to sources Mclean has told Microsoft that he is leaving to pursue “private” interests.
Shortly after this story was posted Microsoft issued the following statement.
Microsoft can confirm that after 15 years with the business, including the past year as Consumer Channels Group (CCG) lead, David McLean has made the decision to leave the business to pursue other interests.
He has made a strong contribution to the business and we wish him well for the future. The CCG business will report directly to Microsoft Managing Director, Pip Marlow, until a new appointment has been made.
