Microsoft CFO John Connors is leaving the company for venture capital firm Ignition Partners. Connors, who will assist with the transition, has been with Microsoft for 16 years and was the company's CFO for the last five years.
"I will miss Microsoft a great deal, but it's time for me to move to a new chapter in my life," Connors said. "I'm looking forward to a greater emphasis on community and business participation in the north west."
"I want to thank John for his terrific contribution over the past 16 years and his participation in building a thriving set of businesses," said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO. "John has done an awesome job building a world-class finance organization for Microsoft and leaves behind him a very capable team."
Microsoft said it plans to consider both internal and external candidates to fill the CFO position.
Ignition Partners, which Connors will join as a partner, was founded in 2000 by a team of former senior McCaw and Microsoft executives.