Microsoft's Alex Kipman is resigning

Alex Kipman, who helped lead Microsoft's mixed-reality efforts with the AR headset HoloLens and Xbox Kinect, is resigning from the company following Insider's investigation into allegations of harassment and misconduct toward female employees.

Kipman told his team on Tuesday, according to Insider, and Microsoft Cloud leader Scott Guthrie is planning a reorganization of the mixed-reality department. GeekWire published the full text of Guthrie's email, which does not mention the allegations but does detail the personnel changes within the cloud and artificial intelligence divisions.

"We have mutually decided that this is the right time for [Kipman] to leave the company to pursue other opportunities," Guthrie wrote. "I appreciate the tremendous vision Alex has provided to Microsoft over the years, and all that he has done to advance our Metaverse offerings. Alex is committed to helping the teams with the transition process over the next two months and ensuring success before pursuing what is next for him."

Microsoft did not immediately respond to Protocol's request for confirmation.

Dozens of Microsoft employees told Insider that Kipman allegedly got away with misconduct, including unwanted touching of female employees. One person alleged Kipman watched "VR porn" in front of a room of employees, and Microsoft employees were warned not to leave women alone around Kipman. A former executive who had worked with Kipman told Insider: "The best thing that happened, sadly, was the pandemic. So we never had to interact with him in person."

Eventually, more than 25 employees shared their allegations in a report about Kipman. Microsoft did not confirm or deny specific allegations when Insider asked for comment.