Microsoft Vet to Fill Firm's Global Ad Sales Role

Microsoft has promoted from within to fill its top global ad sales role. Frank Holland, previously corporate vice president of operations, will now head the firm’s global advertising sales business, part of its advertising and online organization.

In February, former Microsoft Global Advertising Exec Carolyn Everson left the company to serve as Facebook’s VP of global sales.

Holland started at Microsoft in 1998. In his most recent position with the company, he handled supply chain strategy and sales readiness for its commercial and OEM divisions, and led sales operations and global sales force training.

“Given the strategic importance of advertising sales to Microsoft, and the company’s deep commitments to our advertising customers and partners, Holland and the business will report directly to Kevin Turner, chief operating officer,” said the company in a press release about the promotion.

Earlier this week, troubles with one partner in particular -Yahoo – came to light during Yahoo’s quarterly earnings call. The company said it would delay transition of additional paid search markets related to its deal with Microsoft because revenue per search (RPS) had not met expectations.

“RPS is below what either Microsoft or Yahoo had expected,” said Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz. Microsoft has presented Yahoo with a plan for “how to use hard science and new technology in [Microsoft] AdCenter to get this thing back to where it needs to be.”

According to Microsoft, “the global leadership team reporting to Holland will not change.”