Microsoft's Live Search cash-back chief joins exodus

Microsoft's internet strategy involves either replacing all staff or ensuring things are so bad people just can't stand working there.

Brad Goldberg, general manager for Live Search, has reportedly become the latest online executive to quit the company. Goldberg, who's joining investment-firm Peak 6, apparently launched Microsoft's Live Search cash-back programs and is the latest executive to leave Microsoft's online business.

Goldberg's exit follows the news Bill Shaughnessy, the head of Microsoft's global advertising sales, is also leaving. Shaughnessy, a 15-year Microsoft veteran, will leave in March.

Before joining sales, Shaughnessy was general manager for MSN's communications services including Hotmail, Messenger, and Spaces in addition to doing Windows marketing.

Also going is Brian McAndrews, the president of Microsoft's advertiser and publisher group - the former chief executive of online ads powerhouse aQuantive bought by Microsoft last year for $6bn. The news of McAndrews exit came after Microsoft announced former executive vice president of engineering for Yahoo!'s search and advertising technology group Qi Lu would be heading Microsoft's online services group.

That particular position became open after Kevin Johnson left in July to become chief executive of Juniper Networks, sparking a Microsoft re-organization. It's reported McAndrews felt he was inline to take Johnson's former position.

McAndrews and Shaughnessy reportedly worked together very closely.

Microsoft was unavailable for comment. ®