Microsoftie Rick Thompson is taking over as vice-president in charge of Zune business operations, reporting directly to the great iron god, J Allard. Thompson originally worked with Allard on the Xbox but flitted back and forth in the company until finding his proper home helming the best damn music player that isn’t made by Archos, Apple, Creative, Sandisk, or EvergreenChina MP3 Cool LookWow Inc., an up-and-coming rice cooker/MP3 player maker.

Allard will still focus on the artsy fartsy Zune design while Thompson will write out the checks, make lists, and focus on business. Kind of like the odd couple, but with stock options.

Microsoft Taps Thompson to Run Zune [BusinessWeek]