Microsoft Ltd Announces Additions to Management Team

Microsoft Press Release 27/07/04

London - UK - 27 July 2004 -- Microsoft Ltd announces three new appointments within the Microsoft UK Executive Team. Following Alistair Bakers promotion to managing director UK and vice president of EMEA, Terry Smith joins the executive as senior director, Public Sector. In addition, Chris Parker has joined the team as senior director, Law and Corporate Affairs and Natalie Ayres has been appointed as senior director, Small & Medium Solutions & Partners (SMS&P) group.

"These appointments represent a significant evolution for the UK business", said Alistair Baker, managing director, Microsoft Ltd. "Terry and Natalie have a wealth of experience at Microsoft and have been instrumental in building the success of the company in one of the most important and competitive markets in the world. Chris joins us from Apple. He has spent much of his career immersed in the intricacies of intellectual property within the IT industry; his experience will be invaluable to me and the rest of the executive."

Terry Smith has been with Microsoft since July 1995 and whilst heading the Public Sector business has been responsible for some of the worlds largest IT projects, notably the provision of the UK Digital Curriculum in partnership with the BBC as well as major innovative projects with the Inland Revenue, MOD, NHS and a number of local authorities. "The work that Microsoft and our partners undertake on behalf of the Government, National Health Service, MOD and education departments touches every citizen of the UK. I am delighted to be continuing this work and seeing what we can achieve together in the next twelve months" said Mr Smith, senior director, Public Sector.

Chris Parker has significant legal and corporate affairs experience and was previously senior counsel for Apple Europe. He specialises in IT licensing, IP and competition law, and has been involved in a number of competition investigations, by both UK and EU authorities. "Ive spent the past 20 years working almost exclusively in the technology sector and its no secret that Microsoft has faced some interesting challenges in that time. Theres a great team in place here and Im looking forward to dealing with the challenges ahead and working for a company that continually seeks to drive innovation and deliver customer focused products", said Mr Parker, senior director, Law and Corporate Affairs.

The SMS&P group of 120 people helps Microsofts small and medium-sized customers and strives to improve the way that Microsoft and its partners engage with customers in this sector. Prior to her appointment, Natalie worked within Microsofts European headquarters as director of platform strategy, identifying and responding to competitive challenges in the market place. Before joining the EHQ, Natalie ran the UKs OEM business, achieving significant growth, and driving integrated sales, marketing and services strategies which were hugely successful and remain company best practice today. "The Small & Medium Solutions & Partners group has gone from strength to strength in recent years under Alistairs guidance. Im keen to drive that growth forward and ensure that all our customers continue to receive the service and commitment they expect from Microsoft. Personally, Im sure its going to be a great challenge" said Natalie Ayres, senior director SMS&P group.

Alistair Baker was appointed to the position of managing director of the UK subsidiary and vice president EMEA in March 2004. He previously held the position of group director, SMS&P.

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