Microsoft's Don Mattrick has left Microsoft to join social games firm Zynga as the company's CEO.
The news was confirmed by both parties last night, first with Zynga's Chairman and founder Mark Pinus, who's CEO position Mattrick is taking over, posting an open letter on the company's online blog:
"I've always said to Bing and our Board that if I could find someone who could do a better job as our CEO I'd do all I could to recruit and bring that person in. I'm confident that Don is that leader.
"He deeply understands the value of a network and the importance of creating lifelong consumer relationships. He turned Xbox into the world's largest console gaming network, growing its installed base from 10 to 80 million and transformed that business from deep losses to substantial profits... I'm excited to partner with Don and the rest of our team to return Zynga to its leadership role in inventing and growing Play as a core human experience."
Microsoft's Steve Ballmer also briefly commended Mattrick's role in Xbox's history in a similar missive on Microsoft's site - but choose to focus on the company's next step of Xbox One: "I'm particularly excited about how Xbox pushes forward our devices and services transformation by bringing together the best of Microsoft."
The joint confirmations came only a few hours after a report flagged the surprise move, citing sources close to the situation.
It's unconfirmed yet as to the specific reason of Mattrick's departure - some reports are suggesting he'd resigned, perhaps in light of the rocky few months Microsoft's had over the Xbox one Reveal, others that this deal had been discussed for some time. But his role in turning the Xbox install base around suggests Zynga are hoping for something similar.
Mattrick is due to start the new role next week.