Microsoft to Roll Out Retail Stores

Microsoft announced Feb. 12 that David Porter is joining Microsoft as corporate vice president of Retail Stores. Porter will lead the company in rolling out Microsoft-branded stores.

"Defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores will be Porter's first order of business. The purpose of opening these stores is to create deeper engagement with consumers and continue to learn first-hand about what they want and how they buy," Microsoft said in a statement.

Porter will "lead Microsoft's efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers" by opening its own retail stores, company officials said.

The statement continued:

Porter will report to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. He is joining Microsoft from DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he was head of worldwide product distribution.

"I am delighted to welcome David to Microsoft," Turner said. "This is an exciting time with our strong lineup of upcoming product releases including Windows 7 and new releases of Windows Live and Windows Mobile. We're also working hard to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience at retail by improving the articulation and demonstration of the Microsoft innovation and value proposition so that it's clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere. David's unique and diverse background, coupled with his deep retail roots and distribution understanding, will be an invaluable asset in this long-term effort."

Microsoft said Porter "will work in close partnership with leaders of existing retail programs in Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division. Before joining DreamWorks Animation in 2007, Porter spent 25 years at Wal-Mart," where Turner also had a lengthy tenure as an executive before coming to Microsoft.

Porter's first day at Microsoft will be Feb. 16, 2009.