Microsoft has appointed a former top Yahoo engineer as head of its online division, signalling a renewed focus on technology in its efforts to catch up with Google.
Interestingly, Qi Lu, who worked at Yahoo for ten years and left in July, was chosen over internal favourite Brian McAndrews, an online advertising and media expert, who will now leave the company.
Ironically, Lu replaces Kevin Johnson, who resigned from Microsoft four months ago after it abandoned its unsolicited bid for Yahoo.
This preference of an engineer with no experience in business management highlighted Microsoft turning its attention to technology in a bid to close the gap with Google, analysts commented.
Speculation is now rife about whether Lu's appointment means that Microsoft has acquired the expertise it sought without spending billions acquiring his former employer or whether his presence within Microsoft will make any future approaches to Yahoo easier.
Interestingly, Qi Lu, who worked at Yahoo for ten years and left in July, was chosen over internal favourite Brian McAndrews, an online advertising and media expert, who will now leave the company.
Ironically, Lu replaces Kevin Johnson, who resigned from Microsoft four months ago after it abandoned its unsolicited bid for Yahoo.
This preference of an engineer with no experience in business management highlighted Microsoft turning its attention to technology in a bid to close the gap with Google, analysts commented.
Speculation is now rife about whether Lu's appointment means that Microsoft has acquired the expertise it sought without spending billions acquiring his former employer or whether his presence within Microsoft will make any future approaches to Yahoo easier.