Ward's most recent job at the company was commercial director, but he has been on sabbatical for three months following the launch of Microsoft's new search engine, Bing.
In the 13 years since he joined, Ward, originally a journalist, oversaw the launch of the MSN news website and the MSN portal. He rose to become commercial director but went on sabbatical earlier this year, six months after Ashley Highfield joined Microsoft as UK managing director.
A keen environmentalist, Ward said in an interview before his sabbatical that he planned to travel with his family to the US for six weeks and then visit the Costa Rican rainforest, as well as indulge in his passion for fly fishing.
In a statement, Microsoft said: "Chris has exceptional experience in the online and media world and we wish him all the very best for the future."
Chris Maples will continue as Acting Commercial Director for the foreseeable future.
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