REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 10, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Simon Sproule will join the company as corporate vice president of Corporate Communications. For the last five years, Sproule has served as the corporate vice president of Global Communications at Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., where he was responsible for corporate communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR), product introductions, brand communications and internal communications. Sproule, whose first day at Microsoft will be March 2, 2009, will report directly to Mich Mathews, senior vice president of Microsoft’s Central Marketing Group.
“As a company that believes in the power of word of mouth, we’re delighted to bring in someone with Simon’s marketing and PR prowess,” said Mathews. “Simon is a world-class communications leader with the smarts and leadership to help us take our communications to the next level.”
As head of Microsoft’s Corporate Communications, Sproule will be responsible for defining and managing Microsoft’s communications strategies worldwide, including planning and execution, public affairs, media relations, executive communications, employee communications, and global agency management.
“I’m honored to join Microsoft and its world-class communications team, and look forward to tackling the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Sproule. “As one of the most recognized brands in the world, Microsoft truly understands the value of communications in guiding the strategic direction of the company, and I couldn’t be more excited to join them in that mission.”
Most recently, Sproule, 40, was based in Japan as corporate vice president of Global Communications for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. During his tenure at Nissan, Sproule led the rebuilding of the company’s communications function, including the integration of CSR and brand communications within the same group.
Before joining Nissan, Sproule was with Ford Motor Co., where he held a variety of leadership positions, most recently as vice president of communications for Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover North America. Sproule holds a bachelor’s of science in geography from the University of London, King’s College.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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