14 DAY TRIAL // Starting back in 2004 with a 462 million Euro fine imposed against Microsoft by the European Union Antitrust Commission, the Redmond giant has consistently found itself losing battle after battle in the Eu anti-monopoly arena. In early 2008, the relationship between the company and the EU culminated with a $1.35 billion financial penalty motivated by Microsoft's failure to comply with antitrust rulings. Even before the new record fine, the software giant revealed a new found commitment to interoperability and the embracing of compliance. In the latest chapter of Microsoft's antitrust saga in Europe, the company created the title of Vice President, EU Affairs and took John Vassallo, former General Electric executive, on board.
Vassallo will take on his new role with Microsoft as of July 1, 2008, moving away from GE where he occupied the position of Senior Counsel & Director of European Affairs. "I am very excited to join Microsoft. The company is a world leader in software technology and investing a lot to advance its relations across Europe. I look forward to helping lead the company in this area and strengthening the ongoing constructive dialog with the EU policy and regulatory community," Vassallo revealed.
Not surprisingly, EU Corporate Affairs and Regulatory team will be led by Vassallo, who in addition to the new Vice President, EU Affairs role will also be Microsoft's Associate General Counsel. According to the software giant, Vassallo will be the point man for its collaboration with the European Union over the new policies affecting its products.
"John is an outstanding professional with broad experience in EU public affairs who has a track record of developing strong partnerships and leading through constructive engagement. We are committed to strengthening our relationships in Brussels and throughout the European Union, and we're delighted to have John join us in this new and important role," commented Senior Vice President and General Counsel Brad Smith.