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Eugenio Beaufrand Appointed as Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft Greater China Region


WEBWIRE

Microsoft Corp. announced today that Eugenio Beaufrand will join Microsoft Greater China Region in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer.

A seasoned, 23-year veteran of Microsoft, with deep experience in both developed and emerging markets, Beaufrand most recently held the position of Vice President, Microsoft Latin America, where he led the region to four highly successful years of unprecedented growth. His leadership also resulted in significant gains in customer satisfaction and in innovative corporate citizenship efforts that partnered with government to promote education, stimulate employment and help boost economic growth throughout the region. Prior to his tenure in Latin America, Beaufrand also served as the head of Microsoft Australia and as Regional Vice President for the South Region in the United States. Beaufrand will report to Ya-Qin Zhang, corporate vice president and acting CEO for Microsoft Greater China Region.

“We’re thrilled to have Eugenio join our team during this time of rapid growth in the Chinese market,” said Zhang. “Eugenio was selected for the role given his deep Microsoft and international experience. His unique background will be a great complement to the deep, local knowledge of our leadership team here in the market.”

“The position of Chief Operating Officer is being newly established in Microsoft GCR, and is a testament to our plans for long-term investment in the region,” added Jean-Philippe Courtois, president, Microsoft International. “We are excited to be part of China’s drive to become one of the world’s leading innovation economies and are committed to excellence in all of our operations here. I’m confident that in partnership with the local leadership team, Eugenio’s unique combination of skills and expertise will help ensure Microsoft’s continued success and contribution in the region.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Beaufrand will help lead Microsoft’s continued expansion in Greater China, overseeing sales, marketing, and services operations in the market. Beaufrand’s responsibilities will include a strong focus on driving customer and partner satisfaction as well as providing executive sponsorship for Microsoft’s major accounts in the region.

Microsoft has a long history in China, where it opened its first office in 1992. The company has experienced strong business momentum in recent years, and is well-poised for continued success. Among Microsoft’s recent achievements:


During the past five years, Microsoft sales and revenue have grown more rapidly in the Greater China Region than in any other market in the world.


During the same period, the company has more than doubled its employee base—for a total of more than 3,200 employees in 15 office locations across the region.


In partnership with the government, the company has announced its long-term commitment to China. In the period between 2006 and 2011, Microsoft plans to invest US$100 million in Chinese software companies, provide $100 million in software development and services projects, and provide 80,000 people with IT skills training.


Microsoft’s China Research & Development Group has become one of Microsoft’s most important sources of innovation, and is the company’s fastest growing R&D center outside of the United States. In April 2007, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced the construction of two new CRD campuses in Beijing and Shanghai. Upon completion, the new locations will not only provide capacity for current and future staff, but also offer shared facilities for Microsoft’s partners and customers.


The company has been recognized by numerous publications in China, including the Economic Observer, 21st Century Business Herald, and Guangming Daily, for its corporate citizenship initiatives and community outreach efforts.



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