MSN Head Steps Down from Online Post

The executive heading up Microsoft's MSN online division is taking some time off after 20 years with the company. Senior Vice President David Cole wrote in a memo on Friday that he was leaving on his own accord and will remain in "a leadership role" upon his return. After a reorganization last year, Cole's MSN unit was moved under the Windows division.

"While our progress in the market doesn't completely show it yet, I feel strongly that our strategy, our investments, and our leadership is on track to get us to a winning market position," Cole wrote in the memo, according to The Wall Street Journal. He reiterated that his leave of absence should not be seen as a loss of confidence in MSN.