Microsoft CIO Stuart Scott Handed His Walking Papers

Microsoft announced Tuesday their dismissal of Stuart Scott, the company's chief information officer (CIO). No reason was given for the dismissal other than a "violation of company policies." However, it has been speculated that Scott had an affair with one of his subordinates who had recently received a substantial promotion from Mr. Scott.

Scott was responsible for Microsoft's technology infrastructure, and had been in his current position for just two years.

A spokesman for the company issued a statement regarding Scott's firing, stating:

"Stuart Scott’s employment with Microsoft was terminated after an investigation for violation of company policies."

Microsoft employees have stated today that the dismissal was "unprecedented", and further suggested that Scott's actions constituted a grave breach of the company's standards of professional conduct.

Stuart Scott was one of Microsoft's most senior executives, and joined Microsoft from General Electric where he had also been the CIO. At Microsoft, Scott reported to COO Kevin Turner, who in turn reports to CEO Steve Ballmer.

Microsoft was quick to amend their website, now describing him as a "former corporate vice president". An editor's note on his biography page reads: "Stuard Scott's employment at Microsoft ended in early November 2007." Prior to coming to Microsoft, he had served in various roles at General Electric for 17 years.