Game Changes in Microsoft Organization

The games unit at Microsoft has a new executive lineup after the June 2008 departure of its marketing head, and two of Microsoft’s most important leaders, Bill Gates and Jeff Raikes, have left the company as planned.

Described here are the changes to the Microsoft corporate organization that occurred at the corporate vice-presidential level and above since May 2008. For the latest picture of the Microsoft corporate organization, see the Sept. 2008 OrgChart.

Management Shifts in Game Unit

Microsoft’s game unit, the Interactive Entertainment Business, has a new lineup of managers reporting to the unit’s senior vice president, Don Mattrick. The unit is responsible for Xbox, the Xbox Live online service, Games for Windows, and Microsoft Game Studios; Mattrick reports to Entertainment and Devices President Robert (“Robbie”) Bach.

Mike Delman has replaced Jeff Bell as corporate vice president, Global Marketing, for the Interactive Entertainment Business. Delman formerly headed marketing communications for the entire company, reporting to Mich Mathews; his former position is now held by General Manager Steve Petitpas, who previously led Microsoft’s worldwide advertising efforts. Delman arrives at a time when the Xbox 360 console is facing tougher competition, not only from the Nintendo Wii but also from Sony’s PS3; for example, June 2008 sales figures from market research firm NPD showed both the Wii and PS3 outselling the Xbox 360 in the United States.