Microsoft hires heavy-hitter to drive UK consumer marketing
Mikah Martin-Cruz to join in October
London – September 8, 2010 - Microsoft today announces the appointment of Mikah Martin-Cruz as chief marketing officer for its UK Consumer & Online division, which focuses on delivering the best possible consumer product experiences and innovation across the PC, phone and TV. The Consumer & Online organisation drives all sales, marketing, content and programming, business development, partner efforts and operations for Windows, Windows Phone, Internet Explorer, Windows Live, MSN, Bing and Microsoft Advertising. His new role will see him lead a team of twenty and oversee all consumer marketing in the UK.
Based in London, Martin-Cruz will report directly to Ashley Highfield, UK Managing Director, Microsoft Consumer & Online and will join Microsoft in October.
Highfield commented: ““I am really delighted that we’re going to be joined by such a great talent as Mikah. His award-winning work with both Samsung and Sony speaks for itself, and he’ll make an enormous contribution to our consumer business as we ready for multiple product launches over the coming months”.
Martin-Cruz added: “The sheer number and quality of Microsoft’s current and soon-to-launch consumer products is incredibly impressive. Whether people want to use PCs, phones, an Xbox or be connected across all three by the Internet – Microsoft has a very compelling strategy. This is why I am so excited by the opportunity to make sure we communicate these offerings in a compelling way to UK consumers.”
Martin-Cruz joins Microsoft from Samsung where he was UK Marketing Director. Responsible for all marketing, brand and communications integration across the UK he led successful launches and campaigns for products such as the Samsung 3D TV range, Samsung LED, the Samsung Genio Touch and the Samsung Jet handset. Previous to this role, Martin-Cruz was general manager of marketing at Sony Consumer Electronics where his product responsibilities included Bravia TVs, VAIO notebooks, Handycam, the Cybershot, and Walkman. Prior to that he has also held senior marketing positions at BT Entertainment, Viacom and Warner Brothers.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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