Date: 02-18-2008
Pieter Knook, senior vice-president of Microsoft's mobile business, has been poached by Vodafone to head its newly launched Internet Services unit. Knook will join Vodafone starting March 10, after 17 years with Microsoft as a senior executive, including the last five spent running the software giant's mobile business. His departure has caused a severe jolt to Microsoft, which regards the extension of its Windows operating system to mobiles as a key part of its growth strategy. At Vodafone, Knook will report to Frank Rovekamp, Global Chief Marketing Officer, who is reportedly ''delighted'' about having Pieter with them. Knook will be responsible for Vodafone's efforts to generate revenue from the mobile Internet, including advertising, and will also be responsible for Vodafone's Mobile Plus strategy, through which the company is offering fixed-line Internet services to customers.
