Microsoft Names Belluzzo President, Coo
Wednesday February 14 9:31 AM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. (NasdaqNM:MSFT - news) shook up its executive ranks on Wednesday, naming newcomer and consumer-business chief Rick Belluzzo president and chief operating officer.
Microsoft, the world's biggest maker of software for personal computers, said Belluzzo, 47, would take over the reins as chief operating officer from Bob Herbold, 58.
Herbold is retiring but will work for the Redmond, Wash., company part-time.
Belluzzo had been the chief executive of Silicon Graphics Inc. (NYSE:SGI - news) before coming to Microsoft 18 months ago. Belluzzo most recently served as the company's vice president of personal services and devices, including such areas as the MSN Internet access service and the Xbox video-game console.
In his new role, he will guide business strategy and direct Microsoft's sales, marketing and business development. Belluzzo will also help develop the company's businesses outside the realm of personal computers, Microsoft said.
The move comes as Microsoft's strategy has become more focused on consumer services.
Belluzzo will add the post of president from Steve Ballmer, who remains as chief executive. The appointment is expected to give Ballmer more time to focus on strategic direction and product development.
Shares in Microsoft, a component of the Dow Jones industrial average (^DJI - news), were down at $57-7/8 in pre-opening trading. They closed on Tuesday at $58-3/16.
In separate news, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that U.S. regulators were investigating Microsoft's $135 million investment in Canada's Corel Corp. (Toronto:COR.TO - news) (NasdaqNM:CORL - news).
The inquiry is examining whether the alliance between the companies threatens competition in the office software market, the newspaper said. |
