Michael Delman, corporate VP of Microsoft's global marketing communications group, will be taking over as corporate VP of global marketing for the company's Interactive Entertainment business - in short, Delman's taking over the role that Jeff Bell recently announced he would be vacating in the Fall.

Delman starts in August, reporting to Don Mattrick, and will helm global marketing strategy for the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses, specifically Microsoft Games Studios titles, Xbox Live and platform growth.

This means you will most likely see portraits of Delman up here with increasing frequency come summer's end, possibly with glowing red eyes photoshopped onto him, and hopefully alongside juicy quotes. Welcome, Mr. Delman!

Microsoft Announces Appointment of Michael Delman as Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business

Delman to oversee worldwide marketing strategies for Xbox, Games for Windows and Microsoft Game Studios.

REDMOND, Wash. ? June 24, 2008 ? Microsoft Corp. today announced that marketing veteran Michael Delman has been named corporate vice president of global marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. Delman, who currently serves as the corporate vice president of the Global Marketing Communications Group at Microsoft, will be assuming his role with IEB starting in August.

Reporting to Don Mattrick, senior vice president of IEB, Delman will be responsible for the global marketing strategies for the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses. He will drive initiatives to market Microsoft Game Studios games, grow the Xbox and Games for Windows platforms and brands, lead global marketing for Xbox LIVE, and manage customer insights and relationships. Delman will partner with subsidiary organizations to develop world-class global marketing strategies, in addition to working with internal and external groups to advance strategic global brand partnerships.

?I couldn?t imagine a more exciting time to be joining the IEB team ? we?re on the cusp of revolutionizing the gaming industry, and changing how people interact with their television and connect with others,? Delman said. ?I look forward to applying my experience in global marketing to extend the reach of our products and propel the business into the next phase of growth.?

In his two decades as a global marketer, Delman has worked across various business sectors and regions. Delman most recently managed worldwide advertising, relationship marketing and events for the majority of Microsoft?s business groups, which included running Microsoft?s $1 billion global agency relationships with McCann Worldgroup and Young & Rubicam Brands. Delman also served as director of marketing for Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), where he was responsible for pan-European distribution strategy, pricing, licensing, market research and public relations. Before his position in EMEA, Delman served as general manager of the MSN Internet access business, managing product support, network operations and all international markets. Before joining Microsoft, Delman was a vice president at Ogilvy & Mather in addition to managing the Toshiba computer and corporate image accounts at NW Ayer and the First Interstate Bank business.

?Michael?s global experience and work in Europe is a strategic asset as the Interactive Entertainment Business gears up for the next wave of growth and audience expansion,? Mattrick said. ?We welcome him to the team and look forward to utilizing his expertise to take our brand to new heights.?

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of nearly 400 games in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects more than 12 million members across 37 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq ?MSFT?) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.