Jeff Bell Leaving Microsoft, Shane Kim Gets a Promotion

As if to deprive me of being able to further run the “What’s Your Contribution to Society” line any further into the ground, Microsoft has announced that Jeff Bell is moving on to other opportunity outside of Microsoft. He’ll be leaving his post as corporate vice president of Global Marketing for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (that is one hell of a title), and while senior IEB vice prez Don Mattrick searches for a replacement, Bell’s duties will be handled by three leaders of the product marketing and marketing communications teams.

Meanwhile, Shane Kim has been promoted to the position of corporate VP of Strategy and Business Development, which is a newly established role in the IEB. Kim’s old position as GM of Microsoft Game Studios will be occupied by Phil Spencer, who has been with MGS for six years and was formerly the GM of MGS Europe. It’s quite a bit of shuffling for only three individuals being moved around, but with such long titles, it’s easy to get mixed up.

“We’re strategically positioning the leadership team to drive every aspect of the Xbox business to new heights,” Mattrick said. “I firmly believe that Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in games and entertainment. Today’s organizational announcements align us to accelerate this expansive growth.”

Mattrick thanked Bell for his achievements and contributions to the company, and I’d like to personalyl thank him for providing me with ample comedic material, all of which I promptly wasted. Good luck with whatever it is you do, Jeff.