Alex Kipman, the lead developer of Microsoft HoloLens, is leaving the company, according to Insider. His departure comes after the same publication reported complaints that he was engaged in inappropriate touches and comments towards the employees. It also fostered a culture that diminished women’s contributions. After Kipman told his team about his resignation, Microsoft Cloud and AI Vice President Scott Guthrie announced a reorganization that would split the HoloLens group. In an email that GeekWire has also seen, Guthrie said HoloLens hardware teams are joining the Windows + Devices group under Panos Panay. Meanwhile, the software teams join the Experiences + Devices division under Jeff Teper.
Guthrie also wrote that he and Kipman have been talking about the team’s path to follow over the past few months and that they had “mutually decided that this is the right time for him to leave the company to look for other opportunities.” Apparently, Kipman will help with the computer transitions for the next two months before leaving Microsoft completely.
In a previous Insider article reporting on allegations against Kipman, a source said he saw what was essentially VR porn in the office in front of his employees. A former executive also told the publication that they had seen how he misbehaved with women more than once. He recalled an incident in which Kipman allegedly continued to massage an employee’s shoulders even after she continued to shrug her shoulders to stop him. Managers reportedly told employees not to leave women alone around them. Finally, 25 people came together to report on the bad experiences they had with the executive.
Microsoft did not confirm or deny the allegations to Insider, but the company told the publication that “all reported claims [it] receive[s] it is investigated, and for every claim that is substantiated there are clear actions “.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, regardless of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn you an affiliate commission.