Microsoft Names A New CIO 2

Microsoft appointed a new CIO on Friday, naming six-year veteran Ron Markezich to fill the post occupied until now by Rick Devenuti. Devenuti was promoted to corporate VP of Microsoft's worldwide services organization last year, and he continued to serve a dual role as CIO since then. Markezich now reports to Devenuti.

Formerly general manager of global technology services for Microsoft's IT department, Markezich will be both guinea pig and ambassador in his new role. The CIO job at Microsoft involves using the company's own technology to support its business and working with business customers as a sounding board and problem solver.

Microsoft's IT infrastructure includes more than 300,000 computers and about 400 applications, serving 55,000 employees in 85 countries, according to an interview with Markezich published by Microsoft in January. Microsoft's internal IT staff consists of about 3,500 employees, Markezich said.

In that interview, Markezich and colleague Pete Boden issued a list of New Year's resolutions for 2004 meant to help IT administrators based on Microsoft's own IT practices. Their suggestions included making sure an IT department has the CEO's support, looking for ways to consolidate IT resources, and reviewing and refining critical processes.