Griffiths leaves O2 for MSN mobile role

Media Week 02-May-07

LONDON - Microsoft's online services group (OSG) has hired former O2 mobile executive Hugh Griffiths to head MSN's mobile division.

Griffiths joins MSN from O2 Group where he was working on a project basis, engaged in leading trials across Europe for search and advertising.

The appointment follows MSN's recent deals with Vodafone and France Telecom to deliver next generation messaging services based on the Windows Live Messenger platform.

Previously head of data products and content, Griffiths was present through the early days of the Genie service, through the launches of O2.co.uk, O2 Active, 3G and imode. He was also responsible for the company's business data products.

Prior to O2, Griffiths worked at Independent News and Media as managing director for iTouch UK.

He was also previously head of product/marketing strategy at Cable and Wireless Communications, where he developed content and applications strategy for the UK's first digital interactive TV cable services.