Words are flying around the Internet today over an internal memo that details the departure of one of Microsoft’s own rising stars, Maximillian Kaplun, better known as Max to friends and colleagues. Apparently, the departure comes after allegations of unfair treatment towards women on his team. According to various news sources (1), Max was hired by Microsoft in 2009 when he was only 24 years old after leaving MIT where he had earned his bachelor’s degree in math and computer science.
The story
A leaked internal memo from Microsoft’s MIT blackjack whiz accused of treating women unfairly is revealing that he is leaving the company for other opportunities. Not only was the MIT blackjack whiz accused of unfairly treating women during his time at Microsoft, but it was also reported that he treated other employees unfairly as well. The blackjack whiz apparently could no longer avoid scrutiny and, due to the negative public attention on Microsoft based on his treatment of employees, it will be in their best interest for him to leave.
Microsoft responded by saying the decision should not reflect any opinion about this person’s character. With this in mind, they stated they do not tolerate harassment or retaliation in any form.
Why this is important
Microsoft’s MIT blackjack whiz accused of treating women unfairly is leaving, according to a leaked internal memo. Arun Thampi allegedly sent sexist messages on a company chat thread and reportedly threatened a female employee at Uber. A Microsoft spokesperson has not responded for comment about the reported departure of Arun Thampi from the Redmond-based company.
Microsoft’s chief technology officer wrote a leaked internal memo on Thursday detailing Thampi’s exit and outlining changes at Microsoft under executive vice president Judson Althoff. We are in a leadership transition phase with new reports planned and other changes already in motion, Althoff wrote in an email obtained by GeekWire on Thursday night. He added that he was excited about his role, which includes responsibility for overseeing Microsoft’s first-party devices such as Surface tablets and Lumia smartphones.
It is clear we will need deep partnerships to achieve our goals, Althoff continued.
How it will affect you
In the leaked internal memo addressed to the Microsoft office, the whiz is contemplating stepping down but offers no clear explanation as to why. If true, it would signify a major blow in an industry where any kind of leadership change can be devastating. Considering the uncertainty of the global economic climate and drastic reduction in spending for tech businesses like Microsoft over recent years; this sudden decision is ominous for current and prospective employees. If you’re on edge about your job stability or if you’re currently employed by Microsoft’s MIT blackjack whiz- although you shouldn’t gossip- now might be a good time to prepare yourself with another position outside of this one individual’s control.
What could happen if…
What could happen if the Microsoft’s MIT blackjack whiz who was accused of treating women unfairly were to leave the company? Could they take their unfair ways with them and replicate them in another part of society? Or would they be true to themselves and stop unfair practices within their power wherever they go next? As long as the irresponsible behavior continues and is not met with consequences it will only grow in size.
What happens next
A leaked internal memo states that Microsoft’s MIT blackjack whiz who was accused of treating women unfairly is leaving the company. The leak comes one day after Bloomberg reported that he’ll be taking a leave of absence following complaints by several female employees, and according to him and Microsoft officials some disagreements over company responsibilities. In a phone interview on Wednesday evening with Bloomberg TV anchor Emily Chang, Nghia replied: That’s inaccurate. The 37-year-old Vietnamese engineer declined to elaborate when she asked about allegations related to gender discrimination or harassment. So far there has been no comment from Microsoft officials on this issue since the memo was leaked and it will be interesting what happens next at the company.
A final thought
Now that the MIT blackjack whiz has left Microsoft and won’t be leaking internal memos, we can only speculate how this will affect female employees. Will they now be subject to harassment? Will they have an equal opportunity in advancement? These are all questions that may never be answered, but it is up to the company to take action against those who would discriminate.