14 DAY TRIAL // Driven by the success of titles such as Halo and Gears of War, Microsoft's Xbox 360 gaming console has been flying off the shelves boosting the revenues of the company's Interactive Entertainment Business. In this context, Microsoft seems committed to not only keep, but also fuel the momentum of its Entertainment division and announced that it would do so starting with shuffles in the leadership team.
Jeff Bell, current corporate vice president of Global Marketing for Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, announced that he is planning to leave the company in order to pursue alternative opportunities. According to the software giant, Bell will continue working for the company throughout the summer of 2008.
"The time is right for me to pursue my life's passion of consumer brand marketing and the creative and services that drive it. Coming from automotive, and now technology and entertainment, I am excited to expand to new industries and categories," Bell revealed.
Additionally, Microsoft announced that Shane would be responsible with the future growth strategies of the Interactive Entertainment Business, as well as with the management of the company's relationships with its partners. A new role has been created for Kim at Microsoft, that of Corporate Vice President of Strategy and Business Development.
Kim moves to Interactive Entertainment Business from Microsoft Game Studios, and he will be joined by Phil Spencer. Taking on new responsibilities related to keeping Microsoft very close with its partners in the gaming industry, Spencer, now General Manager of the global Microsoft Game Studios business, will be involved in attracting new audience through new game titles. Kim and Spencer will work directly with Don Mattrick, senior vice president of Interactive Entertainment Business.
"We're strategically positioning the leadership team to drive every aspect of the Xbox business to new heights. I firmly believe that Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in games and entertainment. Today's organizational announcements align us to accelerate this expansive growth," Mattrick commented.