Microsoft R Us
Software giant Microsoft has announced the appointment of a corporate VP of retail stores, whose job will be, in part at least, to mastermind the creation of Microsoft branded retail outlets, possibly along the lines of those run by rival Apple.
David Porter (pictured) leaves DreamWorks Animation, where he was head of worldwide product distribution, to take on the role. It seems his first job will be to determine all the specifics of the Microsoft stores like timescale and locations, so none of those details are available yet. His first day will be next Monday.
"There are tremendous opportunities ahead for Microsoft to create a world-class shopping experience for our customers," said Porter, who spent 25 years a Walmart before joining DreamWorks.
"I am excited about helping consumers make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases, and we'll share learnings from our stores with our existing retail and OEM partners that are critical to our success."
Porter will report into COO Kevin Turner. "We're also working hard to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience at retail by improving the articulation and demonstration of the Microsoft innovation and value proposition so that it's clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere," said Turner.
