Microsoft Online Chief Jumps to Juniper

SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft's(MSFT Quote) head of Windows and online services business, Kevin Johnson, is set to leave the company, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Johnson is leaving to "run" networking firm Juniper Networks(JNPR Quote), according to the Journal, citing sources familar with the situation.

Johnson, a 16-year of veteran of Microsoft, had been at the forefront of the company's bid to buy Yahoo!(YHOO Quote). In February, Microsoft initiated a $44.6 billion hostile bid for Yahoo that was rejected.

Since then, Microsoft has withdrawn its offer, blaming Yahoo! for its unwillingness to negotiate a reasonable deal.

Johnson, who joined Microsoft in 1992 from IBM(IBM Quote), along with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Ballmer and seven other senior executives, served on the senior leadership team that set overall strategy and direction for Microsoft.

A Microsoft spokesperson wasn't immediately available for a comment.

Shares of Microsoft closed up 63 cents, or 2.4%, to $26.43 Wednesday.