Microsoft Israel R&D Chief Departs, Second Top Executive Exit in Four Months

Michal Braverman-Blumenthal, the CEO of Microsoft Israel Research and Development, is resigning from her position after six and a half years, marking the second high-profile departure from the tech giant's Israeli operations in four months. Braverman-Blumenthal, who also served as CTO for Microsoft's global security division, will remain with the company until the end of the year. Microsoft will announce her successor later, who will lead its large research and development center in Israel.

Her departure follows that of Alon Haimovitz, the former CEO of Microsoft Israel's sales division, who unexpectedly resigned four months prior after four years in the role. Industry speculation suggests Haimovitz's exit was linked to a quiet review by Microsoft's global management concerning the local branch's dealings with the Ministry of Defense, particularly after the alleged use of company servers by Unit 8200 during the war. The sales division's leadership position remained vacant until last week, when Nati Amsterdam, formerly of Nvidia Israel, was appointed.

Braverman-Blumenthal is a highly regarded senior executive in both Microsoft and the Israeli tech industry. She joined Microsoft 13 years ago to establish and lead the company's cloud security group in Israel. She later co-founded Microsoft's global cloud security and AI division, becoming its CTO. She played a key role in developing and launching major cybersecurity products, significantly contributing to the growth of Microsoft's cybersecurity sector.

During her tenure, the Israeli R&D center, which employs around 3,000 people and operates separately from the sales division, doubled its workforce. It became one of Microsoft's three strategic development centers globally, with approximately 30 product groups developing sensitive core products, including half in cybersecurity, security, and privacy, used by millions worldwide.

Sources close to the matter emphasize that Braverman-Blumenthal's resignation is unrelated to Haimovitz's departure and is a personal decision. In an email to employees, she expressed gratitude for her colleagues and pride in their achievements, stating, "The resilience and perseverance of you all will stay with me for the rest of my life." Microsoft acknowledged her "exceptional career" and significant contributions, wishing her success in her future endeavors.