Microsoft's top UK exec departs for BBC Worldwide

by Andrew McCormick, Revolution UK 27-Aug-08, 10:30

LONDON - Chris Dobson, Microsoft's most senior commercial UK employee, is set to leave the internet giant, Revolution can exclusively reveal.

Dobson is stepping down to join BBC Worldwide in a senior global sales position after spending nearly seven years at Microsoft. Chris Ward, Microsoft's commercial director who ranked 7th in Revolution's Power 50, will become Microsoft's lead commercial employee when Dobson leaves.

Dobson is currently vice-president, Microsoft UK Online Services Group, where he is responsible for content production, sales and marketing of Microsoft's consumer online business in the UK, including MSN and Windows Live search engine.

He is currently standing in for Sharon Bayley, who is on maternity leave. This follows Dobson's previous role as vice-president of global sales for Microsoft Advertising, being shifted outside of the UK.

Dobson joined MSN in November 2001 and initially led the development of MSN outside of the US, following the dotcom crash.

Microsoft confirmed Dobson's departure. A spokesman for BBC Worldwide said that the company does not comment on speculation.