Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella promised to end the company's tolerance for "talented jerks."- But dozens of insiders say misconduct remains rampant and "golden boys" have enjoyed impunity.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has promised to end the company's tolerance for "talented jerks," but dozens of current and former employees told Insider executive misconduct remains rampant and the company retains a nearly unlimited tolerance for bad behavior by its top rainmakers and developers.
One such "golden boy," sources said, is Alex Kipman, the prominent Microsoft executive who oversees a team that's central to Nadella's plan to define the next wave of computing. Current and former employees allege Kipman has repeatedly gotten away with inappropriate behavior toward women employees, including unwanted touching.
In one instance, Kipman is alleged to have watched a lewd VR video in the office in front of employees, according to a person who was present. The video featured women in skimpy clothing frolicking on a bed and engaging in an overtly sexualized pillow fight. An employee who was present, speaking with Insider later, described the scene as "VR porn." Sources who spoke to Insider suggested the incident involving Kipman is part of a widespread pattern of executive misconduct — including verbal abuse and sexual harassment — that continues to persist at Microsoft.
Microsoft declined to confirm or deny any of the specific allegations, but said it investigates every reported claim and takes clear action when a claim is substantiated. Kipman did not respond to a request for comment from Insider.
Read the full Insider story here.
Are you a Microsoft employee or do you have insight to share? Contact reporter Ashley Stewart via the encrypted messaging app Signal (+1-425-344-8242) or email (astewart@insider.com).