|
PR03487 26 July 2005
Microsoft moves: Karl Noakes to Head up new Channel Development Group at Microsoft Limited
Reading - UK - 26th July 2005 - Microsoft UK today announced that Karl Noakes has been appointed to head up the company's newly-created Channel Development Group. The group, which is over 70-strong, will be tasked with building the most capable and effective partner community in the IT industry.
Mr Noakes' new role expands his current position leading the Technology & Solutions Group at Microsoft UK. This will merge with the Partner Development & Marketing Group to form the new organisation. The appointment coincides with a move by Natalie Johnston, previously group manager for partner development and marketing, to take up a new role within Microsoft UK.
Commenting on the appointment, Natalie Ayres, Senior Director, Small & Medium Solutions & Partners (SMS&P) group, Microsoft Ltd said: "Karl's move is a great appointment. As the head of our newly-created Channel Development Group, Karl is responsible for integrating all our partner development activity into a single framework that will enable us to provide our partners with a consistent set of services to help them succeed in the market place. It's no easy task, but Im certain that Karl's experience makes him ideally suited to the role."
"After our products, our partner channel is our most strategic asset," said Mr Noakes on his appointment. "We must continue to align Microsoft under one partner strategy, with the clear goals of driving revenue for Microsoft; satisfaction and value for customers and business success for our partners. The newly formed Channel Development Group will be at the heart of the next wave of growth and exciting times lie ahead."
As head of the Technology & Solutions Group, Mr Noakes built a team of over 30 Technical Specialists & Channel Development Managers focused on helping Microsoft Partners increase their capability to deliver customer solutions. He joined Microsoft in 1996 as a strategy consultant in Microsofts Services Organisation.
 |
| About Microsoft | |
|
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
Visit the Microsoft UK homepage for further information on Microsoft products
|
| Contact information | |
|
Journalists should contact The Microsoft Press Centre. Telephone 0870 20 77377, lines are open 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.
|
Customer enquiries should be directed to Microsoft on 0870 6010 100. Opening hours are 8.00am to 6.00pm.Contact us with your general Microsoft queries