Richard Belluzzo, who last week resigned as chairman and chief executive officer of Silicon Graphics Inc., has
joined Microsoft, the company announced
Thursday.
The confirmation follows widespread speculation that Belluzzo was headed to the software giant.
Belluzzo has been appointed vice president of the new consumer and commerce group. Brad Chase and Jon Devaan, were both promoted to
senior vice president, to form the leadership team at Mirosoft’s new Consumer and Commerce Group. Both were previously vice presidents.
Belluzzo will supervise Chase, DeVaan, Moshe Lichtman, who heads up CCG’s international projects; Expedia manager Rich Barton and Internet bill payment service chief Lewis Levin.
“I am excited to be part of the momentum that Brad and Jon and their group
have created,” said Belluzzo.
Microsoft (MSFT) hopes the appointments will expand its CCG, which includes MSN.COM.
The focus of MSN.COM is to allow clients to search the Web more easily and
intuitively while offering the best and most secure online shopping and e-commerce experience.
“Today’s announcements underscore our commitment to executing decisively and rapidly in the online services space by forming a seasoned management
team that is dedicated to improving and facilitating commerce for consumers,” said Microsoft President Steve Ballmer.
“I have known and respected Rick’s management skills for more than 15 years. His reputation for managing tough challenges effectively is well deserved.”