Elop to return to Microsoft to head up devices and Xbox team – report

Satya Nadella’s appointment as new Microsoft CEO does not mean former favourite Stephen Elop won’t be returning to Microsoft.

Indeed, The Verge reports that Elop WILL shortly return to Microsoft to lead an expanded devices team focused on Surface, Windows Phones, and Xbox”.

Meanwhile, current Microsoft Studios corporate VP Phil Spencer has taken to Twitter to assert the security of Xbox, saying that Yes, I know Satya – he’s been a good supporter of Studios and Xbox” and that Microsoft’s leadership team understands Xbox is a very important consumer brand for us”.

He also added: I also know Stephen Elop well. Obviously he’s currently still at Nokia but I feel great about the conversations we’ve had.”

Elop was back in November tipped as the likely replacement for Ballmer, with rumours suggesting he was keen to sell off the Xbox business.

He previously headed up Microsoft’s business division between 2008 and 2010 before heading over to Nokia, whose mobile business was of course acquired by Microsoft last year.