Microsoft names North America sales head

REDMOND, Wash. Microsoft has announced the appointment of Robert Youngjohns to the role of president of North America sales and marketing, and corporate vp of Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, Youngjohns brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and strategic business development. Most recently, he served as president and ceo of Callidus Software, a publicly traded company and a leading provider of sales performance management software based in San Jose, Calif. Before joining Callidus, Youngjohns spent 10 years at Sun Microsystems in a series of leadership positions, including evp of Global Sales. Youngjohns also spent 18 years in various roles at IBM.

"We are excited to welcome Robert to our team," said Kevin Turner, coo at Microsoft. "His deep background and expertise in the technology sector and his dedication to customers are tremendous assets for his new role as head of our highly specialized and successful North America sales and marketing organization."