Microsoft appoints new marketing head

Capossela will replace Mich Mathews, Microsoft's long-time head of global marketing who announced in March that she will retire this summer, Xinhua reported.

The new chief marketing officer will also take the role of senior vice president of the company's Consumer Channels and Central Marketing Group.

The Consumer Channels is a newly-formed group aimed at bringing together Microsoft's retail, mobile operator and distribution teams into one organisation. Capossela, a 20-year veteran of Microsoft, once worked as Bill Gates' speech assistant.