Scott Howe, who oversees Microsoft’s advertiser and publisher solutions group, is resigning — the latest former aQuantive executive to leave Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT). Microsoft says Howe is departing “to spend some quality time with his family, re-charge and pursue the next chapter in his career.” A CVP, Howe had been credited with unifying Microsoft’s ad networks. He also led the sale of the company’s Razorfish interactive ad agency to Publicis in October.
Howe’s departure isn’t a surprise, considering that Microsoft purchased aQuantive nearly three years ago now and a long list of other former aQuantive executives who joined Microsoft post-acquisition have left. This fall alone saw the departure of at least five former aQuantive executives, including Karl Siebrecht, the former president of Atlas who joined AdReady as president. In a memo sent to staff, Qi Lu, the president of Microsoft’s online services division, refers to having a “number of thoughtful conversations” with Howe “about what he wants to do, what’s best for the business, and how best to align the two.”
Howe was promoted to his current Microsoft job in December 2008, when former aQuantive CEO Brian McAndrews announced he would leave — after being passed over for the company’s top online job. Howe is being replaced by Rik van der Kooi, who previously oversaw finances for Microsoft’s online services division.

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