Microsoft appoints O2's Griffiths

News

Tim Green May 1 2007, 10:00am

Microsoft has upped its commitment to mobile with the appointment of former O2 big hitter Hugh Griffiths as director of mobile.

Griffiths will be responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the mobile division within the Online Services Group division. At O2, Griffiths was head of data products and content during a period in which the operator’s O2 Active portal became the UK’s most successful (in ARPU terms). More recently he led search and advertising projects.

Microsoft says the appointment is the next stage in the development of its strategy to launch mobile versions of Windows Live, MSN, search and more. This follows recent announcements with telecom providers Vodafone and France Telecom to deliver next generation messaging services based on the Window Live Messenger platform.

Griffiths said: “These are exciting times in the industry and I am delighted to be leading the next stage of development in Microsoft’s mobile strategy. It is the company’s aim to provide consumers with personal, relevant digital services to enhance their lifestyle and we believe mobile to be integral to this. We are also working with the industry to provide advertisers with innovative solutions to engage effectively with consumers.”