On the same day that Microsoft is holding a major press event in New York City to promote its Windows Phone business, Boy Genius Report has the first word of a pretty major new hire for the Windows Phone team. Gavin Lee, who was the VP of consumer and enterprise services at Samsung, has jumped ship and has joined Microsoft. Lee will be a general manager for the Windows Phone team.
Samsung is one of the biggest providers of Windows Phone-based smartphones. However, Lee's background was to help with the launch of Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy smartphones, including the most recent Samsung Galaxy S II. When asked about his new gig at Microsoft, Lee said, "I will be responsible to help set the future direction for the Windows Phone platform and to accelerate Microsoft’s trajectory to win the hearts and minds of consumers, carriers, device manufacturers, developers and partners."
This could turn out to be a major win for Microsoft as it tries to convince smartphone consumers to take a look at Windows Phone and its products. Lee's experience with Samsung and helping to launch their successful Galaxy smartphones could come in very handy indeed.
Lee says, "Each time a consumer goes to buy a smartphone from a carrier or retail store, Windows Phone has to be on their short list. And, with the Windows Phone 7.5 release, I think Microsoft is closing the gap rapidly and removing all doubt about their place in mobile."
Ultimately, it's all about the people who work hard to create good products. Lee's track record would suggest he's the perfect person to elevate Windows Phone and get that operating system on the same level as Apple's iOS/iPhone and Google's Android in terms of market share.
At the end of the day this is a great win for Microsoft, Windows Phone just got another ace in its operation department and great things will come of it.
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