Valentine’s Day saw a defection from the Microsoft mobile camp, perhaps without a kiss. Leaving is Microsoft Senior Vice President Pieter Knook, who will head a new Internet Services division that Vodafone Group Plc announced Tuesday. In this new role, Knook will direct the development and delivery of Vodafone’s consumer Internet business.

Knook, 49, officially joins Vodafone on 10 March after 17 years with Microsoft. He spent the last five years as senior vice president running Microsoft’s mobile business, including strategy, product development, marketing and sales. During his years with Microsoft, Knook led a wide range of programs across seven businesses.

“I am very excited to join Vodafone Group,” Knook said in a statement. “I look forward to serving Vodafone’s customers with innovative Internet-based services, as well as bringing new software and services expertise to a company that is renowned for its worldwide customer reach, mobility offerings and its focus on high-quality execution.”

A ‘World Class Leader’

Vodafone Internet Services will focus on consumer Web services for mobile devices.

Knook will be responsible for delivering new revenue growth from Internet content and advertising with a focus on differentiating Vodafone’s services in the consumer market. He will report to Frank Rovekamp, global chief marketing officer of Vodafone Group.

“Leading Vodafone Internet Services calls for a world class leader of considerable stature and experience,” Rovekamp said. “We are delighted that Pieter is joining us to help transform the customer experience through the mobile Internet, meet growing customer demand for Web services accessed from mobile devices and drive revenues within our Mobile Plus strategy. Pieter has an impressive track record across technical, sales, marketing and business management disciplines covering the U.S., Asia and Europe.”

Vodafone’s Mobile Plus strategy focuses on the company’s commitment to address fixed-line revenue opportunities, develop integrated mobile and PC offerings and create advertising revenue.

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