- HoloLens co-creator Alex Kipman has resigned from Microsoft, Insider has learned.
- The resignation comes after Insider reported allegations of misconduct against Kipman.
- Microsoft cloud chief Scott Guthrie, who Kipman reports, is planning a reorganization. Kipman will remain during the transition.
HoloLens co-creator Alex Kipman is stepping down from Microsoft after the recent Insider report on allegations that he misbehaved with women employees.
Kipman reported his direct reports on the plans Tuesday, a person familiar with the matter said. Microsoft cloud chief Scott Guthrie, who reports to Kipman, is planning a reorganization and Kipman will stay in the transition, said another person familiar with the matter.
After Insider reported Kipman’s resignation, Guthrie sent an email explaining the organizational changes and saying Kipman plans to leave and “pursue other opportunities.”
“For the past few months, Alex Kipman and I have been talking about the team’s path to follow,” Guthrie said in his email, seen by Insider. “We’ve mutually decided this is the right time for you to leave the company to look for other opportunities. I’m grateful for the great vision Alex has provided to Microsoft over the years and all it’s done to advance our Metaverse offerings. he pledged to help the teams with the transition process over the next two months and to ensure success before pursuing what will be for him. “
Mixed reality hardware teams will join the Windows + Devices organization under Panos Panay, while product teams responsible for products, including the Microsoft Mesh mixed reality platform, will join the Experiences + division. Jeff Teper’s devices, according to the email.
Current and former employees alleged that Kipman repeatedly escaped with inappropriate behavior toward employed women, including unwanted touch. Kipman did not respond to a request for comment before Insider released its report on May 25. He did not immediately respond to another request for comment on Tuesday.
In one case, Kipman was allegedly seen a lewd virtual reality video in the office in front of employees, according to a person who was present. The video showed women in skimpy clothes playing in a bed and fighting in an openly sexualized pillow fight. An employee who was present, speaking to Insider later, described the scene as “VR porn.”
Dozens of current and former employees have suggested that the incident involving Kipman is part of a widespread pattern of executive misconduct, including verbal abuse and sexual harassment, that continues to linger at Microsoft.
Microsoft declined to confirm or deny specific allegations against Kipman. “All the claims we receive are investigated and for every claim that is justified there are clear actions,” the company said in a statement for Insider’s previous report. “This disciplinary action can range from dismissal, to degradation, loss of salary or bonus, official reprimand, mandatory training, training or a combination of some of these.”
A former executive who worked with Kipman said he was witnessed behaving inappropriately with colleagues more than once. In one case, the former executive said, Kipman rubbed the shoulders of an employee while “looking deeply uncomfortable.” The woman shrugged, apparently trying to stop him, but “she would continue to do so firmly,” the executive said. “Who’s going to tell you to stop?”
Managers warned employees not to leave women alone around Kipman, according to three sources who said they received such warnings. But last year, employees who say they have been subjected to inappropriate interactions with Kipman decided that was enough. More than 25 employees shared their experiences as part of a report compiled on Kipman, according to someone who contributed to it.
The former executive who worked closely with Kipman said his behavior was only hampered by something even more toxic. “The best thing that happened, unfortunately, was the pandemic,” the executive said. “So we never had to interact with him in person.”
Are you a Microsoft employee or do you have information to share? Contact Journalist Ashley Stewart via the Encrypted Messaging Signal application (+ 1-425-344-8242) or by email (astewart@insider.com).