HoloLens chief Alex Kipman is leaving Microsoft following allegations of misconduct

Alex Kipman, the lead developer of Microsoft HoloLens, is leaving the corporate, based on Insider. His departure comes after the identical publication reported allegations that he engaged in inappropriate touching and feedback in the direction of feminine staff. He additionally reportedly fostered a tradition that diminished ladies’s contributions. After Kipman informed his staff about his resignation, Microsoft cloud and AI VP Scott Guthrie introduced a reorganization that will break up the HoloLens group. In an e mail that is additionally considered by GeekWire, Guthrie mentioned that the HoloLens {hardware} groups are becoming a member of the Home windows + Units group below Panos Panay. In the meantime, the software program groups are becoming a member of the Experiences + Units division below Jeff Teper.

Guthrie additionally wrote that he and Kipman have been speaking in regards to the staff’s path going ahead over the previous few months and that they’d “mutually determined that that is the suitable time for him to depart the corporate to pursue different alternatives.” Kipman will apparently assist with the staff transitions over the subsequent two months earlier than leaving Microsoft solely. 

Within the earlier Insider piece that reported on allegations in opposition to Kipman, a supply mentioned he watched what was basically VR porn within the workplace in entrance of his staff. A former government additionally informed the publication that they’d witnessed him behave inappropriately in the direction of ladies greater than as soon as. He recalled an incident whereby Kipman allegedly saved massaging a feminine worker’s shoulders even after she saved shrugging her shoulders to get him to cease. Managers had been reportedly telling staff to not go away ladies alone round him. Ultimately, 25 individuals bought collectively to compile a report in regards to the unhealthy experiences they’d with the manager. 

Microsoft did not verify or deny the allegations to Insider, however the firm informed the publication that “each reported declare [it] obtain[s] is investigated, and for each declare discovered substantiated there may be clear motion taken.”