Former Staples Brand Leader Joins Microsoft, Windows Mobile Marketing

Todd Peters to help enhance Microsoft's consumer brand image for mobile.

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today
announced the appointment of Todd Peters as corporate vice president of
marketing for its Mobile Communications Business. In his new post, Peters will
be responsible for driving marketing efforts for Windows Mobile, one of the
fastest-growing businesses at Microsoft; Windows Live for mobile; and other
mobility brand offerings related to product planning, product management and
campaigns, and marketing communications.
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Peters most recently was vice president responsible for brand management
and all U.S. retail technology marketing for the office supply company Staples
Inc. He was behind the development of the Staples "easy" brand concept that
was instrumental in driving sales. It was also Peters' idea to create the Easy
Button, which was sold through retail outlets to raise money for charities
such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Before joining Staples, Peters spent six years at Intel Corporation, where
he was responsible for setting global brand strategy. He developed the brand
architecture for the Intel family of processors that helped upgrade the chip
manufacturing company's market image. Before coming to Intel, Peters spent 11
years in advertising agencies, including Hal Riney & Partners advertising in
San Francisco, where he led the launch of the nation's first true PCS offering
for Sprint.
"This is an exciting journey for Microsoft's mobile business; with Todd's
winning combination of technology and consumer experience, he's absolutely the
right person at the right time as we expand in appeal to a broader audience,"
said Pieter Knook, senior vice president of the Mobile Communications Business
at Microsoft.
Peters will report to Knook, leading marketing efforts to define and
deliver the future of mobility for Microsoft customers and partners. His
official start date was Jan 21.
"Microsoft is gaining a real foothold with its mobile products and
services in the consumer world," said Peters. "I am looking forward to helping
make Windows Mobile a brand not only that people recognize, but that they seek
out when choosing the phone that's right for them."
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

pr.mspx./ /CONTACT: Weber Shandwick, +1-425-452-5425,
usmcb@webershandwick.com, for Microsoft Corp.