Yesterday, I got an e-mail from Phil Sorgen, the outgoing president of Microsoft Canada.
CDN has been covering the many executive changes at the subsidiary recently, from Lora Gernon’s exit as channel chief to Eric Gales being named new president.
You can read Sorgen’s e-mail verbatim below. From my perspective,it must be a challenging time for Sorgen personally andprofessionally. He has had to make these tough, sometimes emotionallycharged decisions that impact people’s lives, while having to lookafter his own career at the same time. On top of that, he now has tomove back home and uproot his family. CDN readers know Sorgen’s tale of driving from Seattle to Toronto so that the family dog could be with him in Canada.
I didn’t get to know Sorgen as well as Frank Clegg, or even David Hemler forthat matter. All three said the same thing as they left the job, andthat was that being Microsoft Canada president was the best careerexperience. I can see that. So enough of my thoughts on Sorgen. Hereare his:
“I’m reaching out to you today to let you know about some leadership changes at Microsoft Canada.
At the end of July, I will assume a new position atMicrosoft’s Redmond, Washington, headquarters leading our US Small andMidmarket Solutions and Partners (SMS&P) group.
While this new challenge is exciting for me, I am genuinelysad to leave Canada and my current role as president of MicrosoftCanada. I have enjoyed the close working relationships I haveestablished with business leaders, community leaders and publicservants from across the country and the ways in which we have workedtogether to improve Canadian communities.
I am proud of the work Microsoft Canada has done in furtheringthe public policy discussion about Canadian innovation, productivityand the importance of building a skilled workforce. I am also verygrateful for the opportunity to work with so many partners on programslike the Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids (CLICK) programswith children’s hospitals; the digital arts centres in priority Torontoneighbourhoods; and, of course, our work with law enforcement onhelping reduce the online exploitation of children. Theseaccomplishments, whether business- or community-focused, were not minealone. They are the result of a talented and engaged senior team atMicrosoft Canada who will continue these commitments.
I am very happy to introduce you to Eric Gales, who willassume the role of President of Microsoft Canada as of August 1. Ericcurrently heads up Microsoft Canada’s Small Business, MidmarketSolutions and Partners group and is a member of our senior corporateleadership team.
Given the importance of small- and medium-sized businesses toCanada’s economy, Eric is ideally positioned to lead the Canadiansubsidiary and I know he will bring vision and a passion to this newpost, just as he does to his current role.”
One quick hit before I go. More changes at Microsoft Canada. Mark Relph isfollowing Sorgen and leaving the Canadian market place for a bigger jobat Microsoft HQ in Redmond, Wash. Relph spent 11 years at thesubsidiary most recently as VP and Director. He will now be the seniordirector of the Windows Ecosystem team reporting to corporate VP Mike Nash.
