Microsoft appoints Terry Myerson as head of Windows Phone

Company veteran set to drive WinPho development and marketing campaigns.

The new appointment is the latest step from Microsoft to push its Windows Phone platform to the masses in the crowded smartphone market.

Its partnership with Nokia has recently launched the Lumia series of phones, which received a London music show launch with DJ Deadmau5.

Terry Myerson's new position of corporate vice president for the Windows Phone Division will require him to lead Windows Phone development, marketing, strategy and other business functions, according to Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO.

Prior to the new role, Myerson had been responsible for the phone group's engineering. The exec has been a member of Microsoft since 1997, when his company – Intersé Corporation – was bought by the firm.

Ballmer also revealed Andy Lees, Microsoft Windows Phone Division president, will step down to make room for Myerson. Lees led the department from 2009, and will now take on a new position working for the company's phone and PC businesses.