Microsoft Canada makes significant staff cuts to channel team

Microsoft Canada had to make some dificult staff reductions to its channel team. No longer with the subsidiary is Carol Terentiak, senior partner development manager, partner program for Microsoft Canada.

Microsoft Canada is making no one available for interviews for this breaking story now. I will, however, have an opportunity at the Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington, D.C. next week to get some more insight.

Microsoft Canada did provide CDN with a statement: “We can confirm that Carol Terentiak is no longer with Microsoft. We can’t comment about the details of the current situation you are referring to, but we can say that given the fast paced and competitive nature of our industry, Microsoft is always examining our businesses to ensure the right resources are properly aligned against the right strategic priorities. To meet these goals, we occasionally increase investments in some areas, and de-invest in others; in some cases, this results in re-deployment of jobs across the organization, and in some case job eliminations. At the same time, we continue to have open positions and maintain our hiring efforts; for example, in the last quarter we hired more than 1,800 people worldwide.”

Of course these statements are cold on purpose and do not really explain what a wondering executive and person Terentiak is. She is a refreshing change from the monotone executives that this industry produces in abundance.

I am only left to speculate on these changes and I figure it stems from Allison Watson's departure of a week ago. I have seen this occur way too often in the high tech industry. The lead executive leaves for whatever reason and dramatic changes are made down the line. It's sort of sad that Microsoft was unable to find a position for her in the organization because I believe she would add tremendous value to whatever role. But then again its tough to leave a great job in the channel for something else. Maybe Terentiak decided to move on from Microsoft?

Besides Terentiak CDN has learned that three other Microsoft Canada employees are no longer part of the subsidiary. When I get confirmation of those I will let you know.

It goes without saying that these moves will make for a very interesting Worldwide Partner Conference next week. Stay tuned.

 

Two quick hits before I go:  Terry Buchanan, formerly of Conpute has landed at Gibraltar. Buchanan, a friend of CDN, will be Gibraltar's new director of Professional Services. CDN congratulates Buchanan on his new post and you should look for great thinks in the near future from Gibraltar.