Microsoft’s Business Development Chief, Chris Young, Steps Down

In a major development within the tech industry, Microsoft’s Head of Business Development, Chris Young, has announced his resignation. Young, a key figure behind Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, will step down after nearly four years in the role, as disclosed in a regulatory filing by the company on Wednesday. No successor has been named yet.

Young joined Microsoft in 2020 following his tenure as CEO of McAfee, where he successfully led the company’s separation from Intel. His professional journey also includes executive positions at Cisco and RSA, showcasing his extensive expertise in the technology sector.

At Microsoft, Young was a member of the company’s senior leadership team, working closely with CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood. Reporting directly to Nadella, Young was among the company’s highest-compensated executives, earning $12 million in total compensation during the 2024 fiscal year, according to regulatory filings.

His organization included M12, Microsoft’s corporate venture capital arm, which has invested in innovative startups such as Innovaccer, Outreach, PsiQuantum, Skedulo, and Typeface. In 2023, M12 announced a strategy shift to collaborate more closely with Microsoft, enhancing its support for portfolio companies.

Young played a pivotal role in Microsoft’s most significant business deals, including its landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the expansion of its partnership with OpenAI. He was also instrumental in securing an advertising deal with Netflix, demonstrating his influence in shaping the company’s strategic partnerships.

Reflecting on his time at Microsoft, Young shared his thoughts in a LinkedIn post: “As I spend the next several weeks supporting a smooth transition, I’m grateful for this chapter and am inspired by the possibilities the AI era presents for transformation and growth. My entrepreneurial roots are calling me, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.”

Young, one of the most prominent Black executives at Microsoft, was recognized for his advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. In a 2023 filing, the company highlighted his leadership in promoting these values.

While Microsoft continues its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, there has been a broader industry shift. Companies like Amazon and Meta have scaled back or canceled similar initiatives in recent years. However, Microsoft’s Chief Diversity Officer emphasized in December that the company’s commitment to diversity remains “more important than ever.”

This report is based on insights from sources including CNBC, Reuters, and TechCrunch.