Live Search Manager Leaving Microsoft

Microsoft's search division has lost another executive as the company announced internally Tuesday that its general manager for Live Search was leaving to "pursue non-profit interests" and spend time with his family.

The departure of Dane Glasgow, initially reported by Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley and since confirmed by the company itself, will take effect on Friday. It is the second departure in the division in as many months.

In March, former search chief Chris Payne left the company, and the company named Microsoft Dynamics head Satya Nadella as his replacement. Payne's departure followed that of Windows Live head Blake Irving, who also announced his retirement last month.

Glasgow has been with the company for eight years, coming to the company through its acquisition of Jump Networks. He was responsible, or took part in, many of Microsoft's biggest projects, including Hotmail and search, as well as developing its Toolbar and Gadgets platform.

"I am working with my leadership team and Dane's existing directs to identify the right successor," Nadella said in a copy of an internal memo obtained by Foley. "I have asked Ramez Naam to step in as the interim Director to ensure we streamline decision making and making sure that we stay on track with our Fall Release roadmap."