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Microsoft executive resigns over sexual harassment allegations

Kipman is not the first Microsoft executive accused of sexual misconduct

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Kipman is not the first Microsoft executive accused of sexual misconduct

Alex Kipman is accused of inappropriate touching and comments

Kipman, who led Microsoft's virtual reality division, has resigned from his position following allegations of harassment and misbehaviour against female workers.

It is also claimed that he viewed VR porn in front of colleagues while at work.

Microsoft cloud and AI VP Scott Guthrie notified staff of Kipman's departure from the company through an internal memo seen by GeekWire.

Guthrie outlined the staff changes in the cloud and artificial intelligence units, but did not mention the misconduct charges against Kipman.

"We have mutually decided that this is the right time for [Kipman] to leave the company to pursue other opportunities," Guthrie said in the memo.

"I appreciate the tremendous vision Alex has provided to Microsoft over the years, and all that he has done to advance our Metaverse offerings. Alex is committed to helping the teams with the transition process over the next two months and ensuring success before pursuing what is next for him."

Microsoft's Mixed Reality team has split as a result of Kipman's sudden departure.

The hardware team that worked on HoloLens and an AR headset project for the US Army will be joining the 'Windows + Devices' division overseen by Panos Panay.

The mixed reality presence and collaboration team will be absorbed into Jeff Teper's division behind the Microsoft Teams communication platform.

Kipman, who joined Microsoft in 2001, allegedly got away with years of misconduct, according to Microsoft employees who spoke to Business Insider.

More than 25 workers submitted claims against Kipman. According to one source, staff were given strict instructions to avoid leaving women alone around the VR lead.

A former Microsoft executive said, "The best thing that happened, sadly, was the pandemic. So we never had to interact with him in person."

The Insider story also takes aim at other executives who have left the firm in recent years, including Terry Myerson, who was in charge of Windows.

Myerson resigned from his position at Microsoft in 2018, although the company never provided an official reason for his departure.

Speculation included the failure of Windows Phone and problems with Windows 10; but three people familiar with the matter said his behaviour played a key role in his departure.

Allegations of sexual misconduct against Microsoft's highest-ranking employees are nothing new.

In January, the company made public its intention to conduct an investigation into the manner in which it handled sexual harassment complaints against many of its most senior executives.

CEO Satya Nadella had previously made a commitment to end the company's tolerance for "talented jerks," telling Wired, "That's done."

Microsoft executive resigns over sexual harassment allegations

Alex Kipman is accused of inappropriate touching and comments

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