MSN restructures its marketing operations
MSN, Microsoft’s Internet portal, has abolished the role of marketing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and moved Sharon Baylay from that position to regional director. The move is part of a restructuring operation that has resulted in MSN’s marketing activities being divided between its trade and consumer teams.
In her previous role, Baylay was responsible for trade and consumer marketing in the EMEA region. The trade revenue stream has generated the majority of MSN’s sales to date and, as a result, a separate marketing role focused wholly on trade marketing has been created.
The new position of head of European sales and trade marketing has been given to Michelle Rutter, formerly trade marketing manager. She now reports to Chris Dobson, European sales director for MSN. Her equivalent on the consumer side is Isabelle Polu, regional marketing manager.
In addition to Baylay and Rutter, two other promotions have been announced in the trade marketing team. Director of programming and revenue Tom Bowman has been appointed to head the revenue strategy and services group, while Jean-Pierre Levieux has stepped up to the post of strategic account manager for EMEA.
MSN has signed a number of deals with businesses including Disney, Samsung and MG Rover. The Web portal signed its biggest marketing deal to date in the US in April with Columbia TriStar Films, to promote the Spider-Man film.
