Microsoft moves around channel executives 21 June, 2009 By Chris Talbot

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Michael Park, who currently serves as the corporate vice president of U.S. SMS&P, is taking on a new role as the corporate vice president of Microsoft business solutions sales, marketing and operations. Meanwhile, Phil Sorgen, who has been the president of Microsoft Canada for the past 3.5 years, is returning to the U.S. to lead SMS&P across all business segments. Sorgen will be responsible for a team of sales, marketing and partner management professioning that serve Microsoft's business customers and partner community.

Sorgen and his leadership team will be responsible for ensuring Microsoft and its partners deliver technology-based business solutions to the 6 million SMBs across the U.S.

Filling Sorgen's role in Canada is Eric Gales, who steps into the role of president of Microsoft Canada after leading the SMS&P organization Canada for the past three years. Prior to joining Microsoft Canada, Eric was a director within the Microsoft U.K. SMS&P business for seven years.

Additionally, Birger Steen, currently vice president of Microsoft Russia, is joining the worldwide SMS&P organization as vice president of worldwide SMB and distribution. Steen originally joined Microsoft in 2002 when he took on the role of general manager of Microsoft Norway. He has been general manager of Microsoft Russia since 2004.

Mix Long is joining the SMS&P organization as vice president of SMS&P corporate accounts. His newly-created role will enable him to work with the team to drive global strategy and execution, focusing on increasing customer satisfaction and share with customers.

Noting that it's common for Microsoft to switch executives around every three years, Michelle Warren, president of MW Research & Consulting, said, "And it's good for them to do that. It's good for the executives to shift around. It gives them a new skillset. It gives them a better understanding of the business model. And it keeps them challenged so they don't become stagnant in their roles."

The changes within the SMS&P organization really shows a dedication to the SMB customer segment, which is an area that is very important to Microsoft's business model right now and in the future, Warren said. Much of Microsoft's business is coming from the SMB market segment and through the channel. It's also an area where Microsoft is facing increasing competition.

"It's a challenging market for Microsoft to continue to dominate," she said. It's one division that the company can't let stagnate, she added.