Microsoft fires CIO Scott Stuart for violating company policies

Microsoft Corp. last Friday has fired its Chief Information Officer (CIO) Scott Stuart, whom the company blamed for violating unspecified company policies. The world’s leading software company confirmed on Tuesday that Stuart is dismissed from the position, and that it is already looking for a replacement.

"We can confirm that Stuart Scott was terminated after an investigation for violation of company policies," Microsoft spokesman Lou Gellos said in a brief statement. "We have no further information to share."

Microsoft, though, declined to offer any more details about Stuart's termination, like what specific policies he might have violated, but speculation is surging high on air that company has charged its officer with the distribution of Microsoft products among employees.

Some other reports also emerged saying that Stuart may have been caught with an iPhone or a surreptitious Linux box hidden in a dark corner of his house. However, such reports have not been confirmed at this moment.

Stuart was responsible for the information technology infrastructure at the company. His duties will be take over by General Manager Shahla Aly and Vice President Alain Crozier, who is in charge of the company's CFO, sales, marketing and services group, until the company finds a replacement, software behemoth Microsoft said.

Stuart came to Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft in 2005 from General Electric Co. (GE) where he had worked for 17 years, and served as a divisional CIO for several divisions during his job in GE.

Stuart initially shared CIO duties with Ron Markezich. He eventually replaced Markezich and served as overseer of the design, development and deployment of the IT systems Microsoft uses to run its business. He reported to the company's chief operating officer, Kevin Turner, who in turn reports directly to the Microsoft chief executive Steven A. Ballmer.

In 2003, he was recognized by CIO Magazine as one of the top 100 CIOs.

Scott holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, mathematics, and computer science from the University of Louisville. He also has done MBA from Vanderbilt University, and is a Six Sigma black belt and a graduate of GE’s Leadership Development Program.

Stuart lives in Washington with his family, including his wife and seven children. He loves spending free time with his family. Coaching sports teams, leading youth groups, and playing golf are some other activities he likes to do in free time.

Shares of Microsoft dipped 32 cents to $36.41 in NASDAQ Stock Market trading.