Ward turns sabbatical into full-time departure from Microsoft

by Sara Kimberley, mediaweek.co.uk 02-Nov-09, 14:55

LONDON - Microsoft's commercial director Chris Ward will not return from his three-month sabbatical, ending a 13-year stint at the technology giant.

The company is going through a recruitment process to find his replacement, Ashley Highfield, managing director and vice-president of Microsoft consumer and online UK, confirmed.

The role has been handled by UK sales director Chris Maples since Ward left in July to go on a three-month sabbatical. Maples will continue as acting commercial director for the foreseeable future, Microsoft said.

Ward joined Microsoft in 1996 after helping shape the commercial arm of the firm's consumer and online business, increasing the sales team to more than 200 people following the acquisition of digital marketing services aQuantive.

As commercial director, Ward was responsible for overseeing the sales team, as well as MSN's news website and MSN portal.

The company overhauled its Advertiser and Publisher Solutions group under Highfield last October to create a UK team headed by Ward.

A Microsoft spokesman said: "Chris has exceptional experience in the online and media world and we wish him all the very best for the future."

Ward told Media Week: "It's been absolutely fantastic at Microsoft and I never dreamt digital could have grown and become as successful as it has.

"It was the right time to move on as I didn't want to go round and round doing the same thing. Chris Maples is doing a terrific job and the business has a sound footing to grow and be successful in the future."