Microsoft poaches online services marketing head from Direct Line

Technology giant Microsoft has poached Direct Line marketer Paul Davies to become head of marketing for its online services group. He was previously head of brand at Direct Line, where he worked on the “Good Deal Better” relaunch campaign.

At Microsoft’s online services group, Davies will be responsible all marketing across a range of services including the MSN portal, Live Search, all Windows Live services such as Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Hotmail and mobile services.

The company says the move will not spark an agency review. Davies’ appointment follows a string of senior appointments at Microsoft’s online services group as it aims to boost its online market share.

Prior to Direct Line, Davies was brand and advertising manager at Royal Sun Alliance, where he was responsible for launching Web only insurance brand More Than in 2000.