Microsoft plays executive musical chairs

Microsoft on Thursday announced a series of executive changes that follow a massive reorganisation last month.

The software maker said server unit executive Bob Muglia will now head the Server and Tools unit, a role previously filled by Eric Rudder, who now works closely with chairman Bill Gates. Muglia will report to Jim Allchin, who is co-president of the platform, products and services division, along with Kevin Johnson.

The company also announced that Sanjay Parthasarathy, head of the Developer & Platform Evangelism Group, will now report to Johnson. Microsoft said the move will enable "a broader focus on winning developers across the entire platform, including client, server and services".

In one other change, the enterprise and partner group headed by Simon Witts will now have a direct reporting relationship to Kevin Turner, the recently named chief operating officer. That unit's financial results, though, will remain part of the server and tools business.

Microsoft announced last month that in reorganising the company, it would convert seven business units into three.

The latest moves came just before the company's first-quarter profits release.

Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com