Execs & Accounts: Microsoft, Univision, Peer39

Verizon has tapped Microsoft to be the default search and advertising provider for its mobile subscribers, Reuters reported. Google and Yahoo also contended for the business.

AOL’s EVP of products, Kevin Conroy, has left the company to join Univision as president of interactive media. A memo sent by Randy Falco and obtained by PaidContent praised Conroy’s work on AOL Mail, iPhone apps, and other platforms.

Peer39 has dismissed its four-person sales staff. It also shut down its “semantic ad network,” according to MediaMemo. CEO Amiad Solomon told MediaMemo the company would focus on its core contextual targeting technology.

Double Fusion promoted Jana Friedman to SVP, worldwide advertising sales. She was previously VP of sales for the casual games group, prior to which she held sales roles at Conde Nast and Electronic Arts.

Nurun hired Richard Shuback as EVP, executive creative director, North America, a new position. Shuback was previously ECD at G2 Direct & Digital and cofounded Grey’s interactive marketing group in 1994.

Clearspring, a widget management and ad platform, has laid off staff. The cuts were made so the company can “focus on key growth markets and…core products and services,” CEO Hooman Radfar wrote on the company’s blog.

San Diego-based Red Door Interactive hired Morgan Witt as senior strategist. The founder of Novologiq, a marketing consultancy, will lead customer retention efforts at Red Door.

Numerous employees have reportedly been laid off at game enthusiast network 1UP in the wake of its sale to Hearst-owned UGO Entertainment. Game industry blog Joystiq pegs the headcount reduction at about 40.

Isobar’s Ammo has opened a Toronto office. The San Francisco-based agency, acquired by Isobar in 2006, works with clients like Electronic Arts, Reebok, Philips, and Tivo.