Microsoft UK loses chief marketer to US minnow

MicrosoftMicrosoft UK chief marketing officer Nick Barley has been poached by US software and technology business, CA, to be vice-president for marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

At Microsoft he has been replaced by Matthew Bishop, who was formerly business and marketing officer – a role Barley had held since 2002 until his promotion to the chief marketing role late last year. Bishop’s business and marketing officer role has yet to be filled.

Barley says the move from a global IT giant to a relatively small fledgling company was a considered move. It was driven by the “opportunity for growth and building excellence”, he says.

Barley adds: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re Microsoft or CA, sales and marketing in the IT sector is about understanding the value of your products and services. Many larger IT companies forget that.”

He says the IT market is changing and that market leaders’ dominant position can no longer be so assured.

At CA Barley will report to Dana Prestigiacomo, senior vice-president of worldwide field marketing. He will have responsibility for all product and solutions marketing, marketing communications and campaign management.

Barley’s appointment “is an extremely significant one for CA”, according to Prestigiacomo.

She adds “His wealth of experience and track record of driving marketing excellence makes him one of the best known and most respected figures in the industry. His ability and insight will be invaluable to CA.”