14 DAY TRIAL // Although working its way toward cutting a total of 5,000 jobs by mid-2010, Microsoft has also said that it will continue hiring people. Fred Bentfeld is an illustrative example in this regard, joining the Redmond company as the new General Manager for the United States Distribution and Services Group. In this new role with the Redmond giant, Bentfeld will be responsible for overseeing a number of the company's verticals, including areas such as retail, hospitality, consumer goods and professional services. Microsoft has indicated that the new General Manager of the U.S. Distribution and Services will need to focus on the group's strategy but also on sales and partnering efforts.
As GM of U.S. Distribution and Services, Bentfeld will work with John Fikany, vice president of U.S. Commercial Sector Industries. “Fred is a proven leader with solid expertise in the issues facing distribution and services customers today. We look forward to tapping his extensive partnering, sales and leadership experience to continue to drive momentum in delivering Microsoft-based, industry-relevant solutions for our customers,” Fikany stated.
Before joining Microsoft, Bentfeld occupied the position of managing partner at Integrys Holdings LLC. The software giant explained that its new U.S. Distribution and Services GM was previously responsible for a few Integrys enterprises, dealing with business development and growth. Ahead of Integrys, Bentfeld was with IBM, where he was overseeing industry solutions sales. Essentially, with the hiring of Bentfeld, Microsoft is gaining a GM with a 30-year experience when it comes down to serving enterprise customers.
Back in January 2009, because of the effects of the global financial crisis, Microsoft announced that it would cut over 5,000 jobs by the summer of 2010. The first 1,400 positions were axed in January, with an additional wave of layoffs at the start of May. At the same time, by mid-2010, Microsoft plans to hire no less than 2,000 to 3,000 people.