Will Microsoft's 'Kumo' Replace Live Search? - Page 2

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A New Face Arrives, An Old Face Leaves

Meantime, in early December, the company hired a new online businesses chief from Yahoo earlier this month.

Microsoft announced Qi Lu will become president of Microsoft's online services group when he starts on January 5. Until August he was Yahoo's executive vice president of engineering for the search and advertising technology group.

Some observers have noted his engineering bent and suggest it may indicate a shift more towards a technology focus and less emphasis on marketing.

In what may be some indication that projection is correct, Microsoft confirmed this week that company veteran Brad Goldberg, the general manager of Live Search known for his marketing, is leaving the company. He will be replaced by another veteran, Mike Nichols, as of the first of the year.