By ChannelTimes Staff
Mumbai, Sep 16, 2008 1543 hrs IST

Microsoft India announced the appointment of Hemant Sachdev as the joint managing director for its consumer and online business. Microsoft has created a new global sales and marketing organization, known as Consumer and Online International (COI) across 22 countries including India to create a seamless experience for consumers across PCs, phones, and the Web. Sachdev, who is set to join Microsoft soon, will lead the consumer and online businesses which includes consumer software, windows mobile, MSN and the online services and search businesses. Sachdev has over 20 years of varied experience in managing operations, retail and strategic marketing. He was, till recently, group director of the Bharti Group, part of the chairman s apex team and led the strategic process of driving and maintaining market & brand leadership for Bharti. He has been a part of the initial core team that has built Bharti and Airtel into the great corporate and consumer brands that they are. Making the announcement, Ravi Venkatesan, chairman, Microsoft India, said, "Hemant brings with him the right blend of experience and innovation in the consumer space. As a company we are renewing our focus and aligning our resources to deliver a great end-to-end consumer experience. I am sure Hemant s vast experience and great consumer insight will help us scale new heights." In his previous roles, Sachdev has pioneered and led some significant firsts, the most recent one being 'Lifetime Prepaid', a step that led to unprecedented growth at Airtel. Some of his significant recognitions include Marketing Professional of the Year (2002), India's Achievers and Leadership Award for Excellence (2004), Best Marketing Strategy of the year - Retail (2004), and India's Top Marketing Director Award (2006), among others. Related Links Rajan Anandan Takes over as MD of Microsoft India Microsoft Hardware Announces Offer for Partners