Skype COO will leave. How will Skype

Scott Durschlag, Skype's COO, is leaving the company. Andy Abramson sees it as focus on mobile. Brad Stone sees it as restructuring for a focus on execution.

I think three things are going on.

First, consumer, mobile, and business are turning into divisions. Maybe platforms too at some future point. Increased self-sufficiency, goal setting, and management focus.

Second, Josh Silverman needs a flatter management structure. Having general managers for mobile products, consumer products, and business products report to the CEO, along with the existing chiefs, simplifies marketing, product management, resource allocation and the other leadership duties.

Last, Scott was instrumental in turning Skype from a haphazardly structured, strategy-of-the-week organization into one with long term goals, clear lines of responsibility, and management processes for turning strategy into execution. That change leadership project is over.

• Skype COO Outlines Skype's Software Guidelines, January 2009. Durschlag briefing press at CES Las Vegas.

• Skype COO Outlines Skype's Software Guidelines, July 2008.