Microsoft Appoints VP and Announces Microsoft Retail Stores

Microsoft Corp. today announced that David Porter will join the company as corporate vice president of Retail Stores. He will lead Microsofts efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide through the development and opening of the companys own retail stores. Porter will report to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. He is joining Microsoft from DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he was head of worldwide product distribution.

I am delighted to welcome David to Microsoft, Turner said. This is an exciting time with our strong lineup of upcoming product releases including Windows 7 and new releases of Windows Live and Windows Mobile. Were 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 its clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere. Davids unique and diverse background, coupled with his deep retail roots and distribution understanding, will be an invaluable asset in this long-term effort.

There are tremendous opportunities ahead for Microsoft to create a world-class shopping experience for our customers, Porter said. I am excited about helping consumers make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases, and well share learnings from our stores with our existing retail and OEM partners that are critical to our success.

Defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores will be Porters first order of business. The purpose of opening these stores is to create deeper engagement with consumers and continue to learn firsthand about what they want and how they buy.

Microsoft is wanting to compete with Apple with brick-and-mortor stores, hoping to still back market share that Apple has gained over the years. Providing consumers a place to walk-in and try out Windows 7, the Xbox, and many of the other software and electronics that Microsoft is pushing may just be what Microsoft needs.

Porter, whose new role and focus will complement the work Microsoft is already doing with its retail partners, will work in close partnership with leaders of existing retail programs in Microsofts Entertainment & Devices Division.

Before joining DreamWorks Animation in 2007, Porter spent 25 years at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in roles of increasing responsibility and seniority in store operations, merchandising and information technology. In his last role at Wal-Mart, Porter was vice president and general merchandise manager of Entertainment, where he served as a strategic point of influence throughout the Wal-Mart business.

Porters first day at Microsoft will be Feb. 16, 2009.