Microsoft’s head of business development, Chris Young, who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the company’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, is stepping down after nearly four years in the role. The announcement came via a regulatory filing on Wednesday. Microsoft has not yet named a successor.
Young joined Microsoft in 2020, bringing with him extensive leadership experience. Prior to his tenure at Microsoft, he served as CEO of McAfee, where he successfully led the company’s separation from Intel. His career also includes executive roles at Cisco and RSA, further cementing his reputation as a transformative leader in the tech industry.
During his time at Microsoft, Young was instrumental in driving the company’s business strategy, with the landmark Activision Blizzard deal standing as a testament to his impact. The acquisition, finalized in 2023, was one of the largest in tech history, marking a significant expansion for Microsoft in the gaming and entertainment sectors.
Young’s resignation marks the end of a notable chapter for Microsoft’s business development team. His departure comes as the company continues to focus on integrating Activision Blizzard and exploring new avenues for growth in AI, cloud computing, and gaming.
