Samsung's unlikely to be overjoyed, but there's a definite logic to Microsoft's latest Windows Phone appointment, and one that may favour the Korean manufacturer in the long run.

Gavin Kim, who previously served as VP of Samsung's consumer and enterprise services division, has been named as the new general manager of Microsoft's platform.

 

It's an OS he'll already have considerable experience with, given Samsung's day one support.

Filling the gap

"I will be responsible to help set the future direction for the Windows Phone platform and to accelerate Microsoft's trajectory to win the hearts and minds of consumers, carriers, device manufacturers, developers and partners," said Kim of his new role.

"In my experience, there is an already fervent base of Windows Phone supporters out there and they all get it.

"They are passionate, and already very vocal about it....so, it is really my new job to make sure we reflect that message clearly in our product and marketing collaborations with all of our partners to create more Windows Phone believers."

Kim has been a prominent face during Samsung's recent big product launches – most notably Android devices, such as Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S II - but will now focus on translating Windows Phone's appeal to a consumer base yet to be convinced.

"Each time a consumer goes to buy a smartphone from a carrier or retail store, Windows Phone has to be on their short list," he added, "and, with the Windows Phone 7.5 release, I think Microsoft is closing the gap rapidly and removing all doubt about their place in mobile."

Playing partners

Whether Kim can foster greater ties between Microsoft and his previous employer, however, is also likely to be on the agenda.

Microsoft's strategic partnership with Nokia risks sidelining former Windows Phone masters such as Samsung and HTC.

Kim, it's speculated, could act as an intermediary between Samsung and Microsoft, with the former launching two new Windows Phone Mango devices, the Focus S and Omnia W.

"Samsung has a very bright future ahead of itself," Kim added.

"They have brought to market fantastic products, have a coveted technology innovation pipeline, and are committed to bringing these innovations to consumers across a vast consumer electronics portfolio.

"There is a tremendous amount of synergy between Microsoft and Samsung and the relationship between the companies will only continue to grow stronger and more collaborative over time."

For it part, Samsung claimed Kim would "continue to be part of the larger Samsung family through our partnership with Microsoft", despite his departure.

[source: BGR]