*Seasoned telecommunications leader will lead multidisciplinary effort to drive awareness and demand for Windows Phone devices, software and services.*
REDMOND, Wash. — March 19, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Thom Gruhler will join the company as corporate vice president of Windows Phone Marketing.
“Thom brings deep experience in the telecommunications industry, exceptional creativity and a proven track record of creating campaigns that connect with consumers,” said Terry Myerson, corporate vice president of the Windows Phone Division at Microsoft. “Windows Phone is a uniquely compelling product, and Thom will help us bring that to life for our customers.”
Thom Gruhler, corporate vice president of Windows Phone Marketing. Image credit: Microsoft
Gruhler, 42, joins Microsoft from McCann Worldgroup, where he served as global managing partner of Telecom & Technology, driving growth and developing relationships with the largest telecomm and technology brands around the world.
Before that, Gruhler served eight years as the global leader of McCann’s Verizon business, leading an integrated multidisciplinary team of agencies that developed the iconic “Can you hear me now?” campaign and helped contribute to a period of unprecedented growth and success for Verizon. As president of McCann Erickson New York, the flagship and largest office of McCann Erickson Worldwide, he also oversaw McCann’s key clients, including Mastercard, Kohl’s and McCann Worldgroup’s Sony Ericsson.
“I’m excited to be joining an outstanding team at Windows Phone that has built an amazing product, which is starting to turn heads in a very competitive market,” Gruhler said. “When you put a Windows Phone into someone’s hands they love it, which is the ideal place to start as a marketer. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build consumer awareness and excitement for Windows Phone products and the overall brand.”
At Microsoft, Gruhler will lead all advertising, marketing and communications activities for the Windows Phone Division and will work closely with product engineering teams and telecommunications partners to create greater awareness and customer demand for Windows Phone devices, software and services.
Before his tenure at McCann, Gruhler managed global brands such as Barclays, DaimlerChrysler, HP, Hilton and Salomon Smith Barney at other agencies within the Interpublic Group, the holding company parent of McCann Worldwide.
*Source: Microsoft