Execs & Accounts UK &EU: Microsoft, Yahoo, Aegis, Starcom MediaVest

A business re-organization at Microsoft will see its current head of U.K. marketing, Alex Marks, vacate his current role. Assuming Marks’s responsibilities, Nickie Smith has now been appointed U.K. marketing director for Microsoft’s Advertiser Publisher Solutions Group. Marks will stay with Microsoft under the title Head of Propositions. Additionally, Microsoft Advertising has announced the appointment of Katherine Ellis as FMCG category development manager and Caroline as travel category development manager.

Toby Coppel, Yahoo’s senior VP for Europe and Canada, is stepping down from his role next year. Rich Riley, the firm’s existing senior VP of its European advertiser and publisher group will fill the position. In an internal memo, Yahoo president Sue Decker wrote, “Over the past 18 months, under Toby’s leadership, the Agenda 2010 strategy has resulted in greater discipline, focus and stronger operating performance in Europe and Canada. Now that much of this foundation has been built, Toby and I agree it’s a logical time to transition to a more focused management team in Europe.”

Aegis announced last week its CEO Robert Lerwill will stand down at the end of the month. Current Chairman John Napier will take over the role on an interim basis. The firm, which owns Carat and Isobar, did not disclose whether Lerwill left voluntarily, or was pushed out.

Starcom MediaVest Group has appointed Nic Jones to the newly created role of chief digital officer for EMEA. Based in London, the former Yahoo Australia and New Zealand CEO will be tasked with building the digital capabilities of the group within the EMEA region.