It's official....
[sorry if this was already posted]
Belluzzo To Run Microsoft Web Unit
REDMOND, Wash. (AP) - Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT - news) has chosen Richard Belluzzo, a computer industry veteran, to run its rapidly growing Internet operations.
Belluzzo, 45, resigned on Monday as chairman and chief executive officer of Silicon Graphics Inc. (NYSE:SGI - news), a position he held for less than two years.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that he's expected to start as head of Microsoft's Internet unit - now called the Consumer and Commerce Group - on Sept. 1.
Microsoft was not immediately available for comment early Wednesday.
Before he moved to Silicon Graphics, Belluzzo had a 22-year career at Hewlett-Packard, where he became the No. 2 executive.
Microsoft's strategy is essentially to transfer its strength in the personal computer business to the Internet arena, according to The New York Times.
The selection of Belluzzo signals that the company's future lies more in electronic commerce than in becoming a media company.
Microsoft's recent Web investments focus mainly on communications, shopping, travel, scheduling and personal finance.
Meanwhile, the company - once regarded as a potential media powerhouse - has pulled back from some of its media ventures, last week selling off its collection of city arts and entertainment guides, MSN Sidewalk, for about $240 million to Ticketmaster Online-Citysearch. |
