Peter Klein, 47, currently the CFO of Microsoft’s Business Division, will replace Liddell, 51, a New Zealander. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said in a statement, “Chris and his finance team have accomplished a great deal over the past four and a half years.” I am looking forward to a smooth transition that continues our commitment to cost containment and finance excellence,Peter brings great finance and operations expertise and a deep understanding of the company.”

Previously chief executive of New Zealand’s Carter Holt Harvey Ltd., Liddell joined Microsoft in May 2005 after serving as CFO of International Paper Co. He said he was looking to expand his career beyond being a CFO. Klein joined Microsoft in February 2002. He served three years as CFO of Microsoft’s Server and Tools Business before taking over the Business Division.