Microsoft shakes up entertainment division

Software giant Microsoft has announced some changes to its hardware unit, reportedly due to declining sales and the need to keep up with competition.

Robbie Bach will retire as head of the company’s Entertainment & Devices Division, the sector in control of the Xbox video game console, the Zune music player and the Windows Mobile platform.

Bach, who has been with the company for 22 years, will retire in the Australian spring, while vice president for design and development, J Allard, will also resign.

“One measure of a leader is the team he assembles around him, and Robbie built an incredible team,” chief executive Steve Ballmer said in a statement. “Don and Andy are exactly the right leaders to carry our entertainment and mobility efforts forward.”