Microsoft Announces New Managing Director & VP for its Consumer & Online UK business
Media statement
Microsoft today announced the appointment of Ashley Highfield as Managing Director & VP, Consumer & Online UK. Consumer and Online is a newly established global organisation which brings together consumer facing products and services across PC, mobile and internet platforms to deliver a seamless experience. This new organisation focuses on building a connection with consumers and growing our online advertising business and Highfield will be responsible for driving all the sales, marketing, content & programming, business development, partner efforts and operations for Windows, Windows Mobile, Windows Live, MSN, Live Search and Microsoft Advertising.
Highfield joins Microsoft from Kangaroo, the proposed video-on-demand joint venture between the BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4. As Chief Executive he was responsible for developing the service as well as garnering partner and industry support to deliver a web proposition to offer an unparalleled range of quality TV programmes on-demand. Previously he was Director of New Media & Technology and an executive board member for the BBC where most recently he launched the BBC iPlayer, as well as being responsible for all of the BBC’s online portfolio at bbc.co.uk, and the BBC’s interactive TV and mobile services. He also had responsibility for managing the BBC's technology, research and innovation portfolio.
Based in London, Highfield will report to John Mangelaars, Vice President, Consumer and Online, Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa.
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.
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