Microsoft Entertainment - regional team member

Microsoft Entertainment recruits regional team member

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – October 09, 2009 – Microsoft’s Specialised Devices & Applications (SDA) group, has announced the appointment of a new senior member to its team in Australia & New Zealand (ANZ).

Joel Ruzich joins the team as Senior Group Category Manager for PC Peripherals and Office for Mac software across ANZ. In this role Joel is responsible for managing both businesses across the retail segment, including providing direction on product features, localisation strategies, and selecting the right product assortment for local retail partners.

With more than 14 years experience in a variety of sales and marketing roles for Microsoft, Ruzich brings with him an immense amount of experience across various groups including Hardware, PC Games, and Xbox, and strong insight into the consumer, small business, and enterprise space.

“Joel has been a strong advocate for New Zealand in his prior roles. Couple that with his experience working with both the Hardware and Mac teams over the last fourteen years will make his contribution to the New Zealand market invaluable.” said Frazer Scott, Head of Microsoft Entertainment for New Zealand.

Since joining Microsoft in 1996, Joel has worked on a variety of products with responsibility across both the US and international businesses. He was among the first Product Managers for Expedia.com, and later became International Product Manager for Hardware and PC Games across the Asia Pacific and Latin America region. Joel also managed the global launch of Xbox 1st Party Game titles across Asia/Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Canada.

Prior to commencing at Microsoft, Joel worked as a Senior Director at American Express, where he managed both US and international marketing, including a two year assignment in Mexico City re-launching the Personal Card in early 1990’s.

The senior team’s sales efforts continue to be led by Sean Davis, Microsoft Entertainment Sales Director. Sean is supported by an experienced team of sales and channel professionals.

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About Microsoft Hardware
For 25 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware is an industry leader in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, which launched in 1999, earned a place on PCWorld.com’s December 2005 list of “The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years” as the first mainstream optical mouse that “brought gunk-free pointing devices” to a broad consumer base. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

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.

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