Microsoft tweaks Game Studios' hierarchy

Shane Kim, who had been acting general manager of Microsoft Game Studios since the departure of Ed Fries, has been named permanent general manger. The position places Kim at the head of Microsoft Game Studios. He will continue to be responsible for content and development management for games on the Xbox, Xbox Live, and the PC, as well as maintaining oversight responsibilities for the various development teams that are under the auspices of Microsoft Game Studios.

Kim has been working for Microsoft since 1989, when he started as an intern. He then moved on to a full-time position at the company and has spent the last eight years in management roles with Microsoft Game Studios, including chief operating officer.

In his position as head of MGS, Kim will report to Corporate Vice President Peter Moore, who will now take the title of head of worldwide content and marketing for Microsoft games and products. This represents a new focus for Moore, who had, prior to this announcement, been the head of worldwide retail sales and marketing for the home and entertainment division. Moore joined Microsoft in 2003, having moved from the corporate suite at SEGA America, where he was president and chief operating officer.

Also in today's announcement was news of the appointment of Vice President Mitchell Koch to lead the global retail sales efforts for Microsoft Game Studios.

These appointments round out the extant executive team at Microsoft Game Studios of J. Allard, vice president of the Xbox platform; Bryan Lee, vice president of finance and business development; and Robbie Bach, senior vice president of Microsoft's home and entertainment division.