Samsung VP of Enterprise Services Moves to Head Microsoft Windows Phone Team

Samsung’s VP of consumer and enterprise services, Gavin Kim, is leaving the Korean company to become the general manager of the Windows Phone team at Microsoft. 

Kim was a key figure on the executive team at Samsung, and most recently worked on services related to the launches of the Samsung Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1. The former Samsung employee revealed his decision in an interview with BGR, where he explained his excitement to begin working with Microsoft. 

“I see this as an amazing opportunity to work with industry talents like Andy Lees, Chris Capossela, Terry Myerson, Joe Belfiore, Achim Berg, and others, to build on their incredible successes and continue to move the ball forward here in the U.S, and globally,” Kim explained. “I anticipate I’m going to learn a lot from them, and I hope to equally contribute my experience back.”

Kim will have a direct impact on the future success of the Windows Phone platform, working to “win the hearts” of consumers and carriers, though he believes there is already an enthusiastic group of supporters out there. 

A Sign of Things to Come?
Samsung and Microsoft have recently been working towards a closer alliance, having signed a deal over Android patent issues. Amidst the Android-targeting patent ware and Google’s acquisition of Motorola, there have been reports that Samsung is rethinking its commitment to Android. This move by Kim could possibly bring the two companies closer, resulting in an alliance between Samsung and the Windows Phone platform. 

Source: BGR