Microsoft Appoints Jeff Bell Replacement

Following the executive shuffle in which marketing exec Jeff Bell departed Microsoft, today the company announced that Michael Delman will be taking over as the new corporate vice president of global marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) in the Entertainment and Devices Division.

Delman, who currently serves as the corporate vice president of the Global Marketing Communications Group at Microsoft, will join IEB in this new role starting in August. He'll report to Don Mattrick, senior vp of IEB, and will oversee the global marketing strategies for the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses. More specifically, Delman will "drive initiatives to market Microsoft Game Studios games, grow the Xbox and Games for Windows platforms and brands, lead global marketing for Xbox LIVE, and manage customer insights and relationships. Delman will partner with subsidiary organizations to develop world-class global marketing strategies, in addition to working with internal and external groups to advance strategic global brand partnerships."

"I couldn't imagine a more exciting time to be joining the IEB team -- we're on the cusp of revolutionizing the gaming industry, and changing how people interact with their television and connect with others," Delman said. "I look forward to applying my experience in global marketing to extend the reach of our products and propel the business into the next phase of growth."

Delman has two decades of experience as a global marketer. In his current role at Microsoft, he managed worldwide advertising, relationship marketing and events for most of Microsoft's business groups, including running Microsoft's $1 billion global agency relationships with McCann Worldgroup and Young & Rubicam Brands. In the past he's served as director of marketing for Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and as general manager of the MSN Internet access business. Prior to joining Microsoft, he was a vice president at Ogilvy & Mather and he managed the Toshiba computer and corporate image accounts at NW Ayer and the First Interstate Bank business.

"Michael's global experience and work in Europe is a strategic asset as the Interactive Entertainment Business gears up for the next wave of growth and audience expansion," Mattrick said. "We welcome him to the team and look forward to utilizing his expertise to take our brand to new heights."