I’m happy to announce several important leadership changes for Microsoft Advertising & Online (A&O) in Europe. These appointments will help Microsoft grow and drive long-term success of our advertising business across Western Europe.

Andy Hart

Effective immediately, Andy Hart is the new VP, A&O Europe. In this newly created role, Andy will bring a consolidated voice of the field and customers in Europe to our headquarters in the Seattle area. In addition, Andy will manage our Multi-National Accounts (MNA) team, which works in partnership with leading international advertisers and agencies to develop and deliver engaging multinational digital solutions in multiple markets. Andy will be based in London. As the A&O lead in the UK for the past two years, Andy has led a transformation of Microsoft Advertising’s business in this key market. Andy’s wealth of advertising experience spans both agency and media roles in the technology and publishing industries. Before joining us at Microsoft, he was Managing Director of Sunday Business Newspaper, CEO of Ask Jeeves UK, CEO Digital of Associated Northcliffe, and spent seven years in leadership positions with London advertising agencies.

Owen Sagness

With Andy taking this new role, I am happy to announce that Owen Sagness, currently the A&O lead in Canada, will be the new GM for A&O in the UK. Owen is deeply committed to evolving the digital marketing industry and helping marketers understand and leverage the opportunities digital media provides for brands. In his 17 years with Microsoft Canada, Owen has held a succession of progressively senior roles, each of which have allowed him to engage his passion to learn, build and grow the business. His keen interest in all things digital positions him as a vanguard of industry. A search for Owen’s replacement in Canada is underway.

Didier Ongena

I’m also pleased to announce that effective immediately Didier Ongena is the new GM, for A&O Western Europe. Based in Brussels, Didier will lead the sales and marketing functions in our key Western Europe markets. With nearly 10 years of service at Microsoft, he brings a unique mix of competencies in general management, sales, digital marketing and online monetization.

With these three leaders in place, we will be well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities we have to delight our customers and grow our business in Europe. Please join me in congratulating Andy, Owen and Didier on their new roles.

Thanks
Frank Holland, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Advertising & Online