Chrysler Loses Marketing Exec to Microsoft

Microsoft has tapped a former DaimlerChrysler VP to head marketing for its Interactive Entertainment Business, which includes Xbox and Windows games.

Jeff Bell will join Microsoft next week as the corporate VP of global marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business. He will report directly to Peter Moore, corporate VP for the overall Interactive Entertainment Business, which is part of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division.

Bell joins Microsoft from DaimlerChrysler, where most recently he served as vice president of product strategy for the Chrysler Group.

“Jeff brings a unique mix of consumer experience and innovation to the Interactive Entertainment Business,” Moore said in a statement. “His accomplishments at DaimlerChrysler, including the creation of its owner loyalty program, his track record in driving automotive video game strategies, and his influence on urban marketing plans, are indicators of his expertise and leadership.”

Bell is widely credited with helping to turn around the Jeep and Chrysler brands, and for pioneering Chrysler’s video game and online marketing strategies. Under Bell’s tenure, Chrysler created more than 40 online games as marketing tools, with partners like AOL and game developer Wild Tangent. He was also behind the well-known “Meet the Mudds” campaign for Jeep, which had an extensive online component.

Bell is the second high-profile interactive exec to bolt from Chrysler in recent months. In January, Julie Roehm left her role as director of marketing communications for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands to become senior VP of marketing communications at Wal-mart.