Skype fires senior executives before Microsoft deal closes

Skype has reportedly fired its senior executives before its buyout deal with Microsoft was closed, a move that is said to reduce their payout.

According to Bloomberg report, three anonymous sources who were familiar with the matter said there were eight top executives who were laid off.

The list is as follows:

David Gurle, vice president and general manger for Skype for Business
Christopher Dean, head of consumer market business development
Russ Shaw, vice president and general manager
Don Albert, vice president and general manager for the Americas and Advertising
Doug Bewsher, chief marketing officer
Anne Gillespie, head of human resources
Ramu Sunkara, Qilk founder
Allyson Campa, senior vice president

Bloomberg said, citing the anonymous source, “the timing of the dismissals means the stock options will be worth less than if the executives stayed until the closing of the $8.5 billion deal.”

The Internet phone service company was recently bought by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in May. Microsoft has said they were planning on integrating Skype’s technology with Outlook email platform, Xbox game console, and other services. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has approved the deal.