Mozilla to lose Firefox chief

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The man leading the charge behind the Firefox browser plans to step down after the next release is out.

Mike Beltzner has been with parent company Mozilla since 2005 but has decided to call time on his role when the next version of the browser is complete. Prior to joining the company he worked for tech giant IBM in Canada.

"I have had the great privilege to work with this community of employees, contributors, volunteers and enthusiasts... There comes a time, however, when one needs to “just keep movin’ on.” I’ve been getting antsy for the past few months, as some people may have noticed, and have decided that it’s time to challenge myself by jumping into an industry about which I know next to nothing," he said in a blog post.

"Some things will be familiar, of course (I’ll be managing product strategy for a small team of incredibly smart people, developing advanced, disruptive technology in a stagnant market with a dominant market leader) but almost everything else will be different, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow. I expect that you’ll see me trying to see how I can apply some of the tools I’ve developed here to that industry, too."

Beltzner was keen to stress he's still focused on helping Mozilla do well even once he's gone.

"Now, I’m not leaving in the next couple of days or anything. I am in it to win it on Firefox 4, and plan on staying until that milestone is complete, as well as helping with a smooth transition to ensure that Firefox 5 is a success from the get-go" he added.

"Even after I stop working for the Mozilla Corporation on a daily basis, don’t think you’re rid of me. I expect to continue to contribute as a life-long member of our passionate, engaged, and supportive community of people who love the crap out of the web."

Mozilla recently launched the 11th and 12th beta versions of Firefox 4.

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