The exit of former aQuantive executives from Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) continues. Microsoft tells us that in addition to former Atlas president Karl Siebrecht, three other general managers with aQuantive roots also announced they were leaving the company last week. They are: Brian Handly, a GM of publisher solutions and business development, who was an SVP of sales and services at aQuantive; Brent Turner, a GM of search and display media auctions, who was a VP at aQuantive; and Aaron Easterly, who was a VP at aQuantive.
Siebrecht is joining display ad startup AdReady as president; the plans of the other three are unknown, although an AdReady spokesman tells us they are not joining AdReady.
The departures are unsurprising, considering that Microsoft purchased aQuantive more than two years ago now. Brian McAndrews, the former CEO of aQuantive, left Microsoft in December.
Here’s Microsoft’s statement: “Each committed to help integrate, build and foster the growth of what is now the APS platform, which services the Microsoft Advertising sales field. The fact they’re moving on is the reality of people changing jobs and careers and each of them being an entrepreneur at heart – nearly all started a business prior to working at aQuantive. While it’s difficult to see talented people go, it’s because of their leadership and hard work that our business is structurally sound.”

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