Microsoft Corp. today announced that Stephen Schueler will join the company as corporate vice president of Retail Sales and Marketing. In his position, Schueler will be responsible for driving demand through global retail partners and ensuring customers receive a great service experience.

Schueler joins Microsoft from Procter & Gamble, where he most recently served as general manager for the Global Retail Operations Group responsible for global merchandising, promotion, and the third-party selling organizations. He will report to Chris Capossela, Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft.

"I am pleased to have someone with Steve's talent and deep experience leading our retail sales and marketing efforts," said Capossela. "Steve is joining us at a pivotal moment for the company as we prepare to deliver Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the new Office, as well as new Xbox 360 and Kinect experiences such as 'Halo 4' and 'Nike+ Kinect.'"

"Microsoft has a strong history of partnering with the world's most successful retail organizations," said Schueler. "I look forward to deepening our relationships as we enter the most exciting launch season in Microsoft's history. This is an incredible opportunity to draw upon my 24 years of retail experience at P&G and apply my learnings to the innovative world of technology."

Schueler joined Procter & Gamble in 1988. Prior to leading Global Retail Operations he served as general manager of Procter & Gamble's Eastern Europe Distribution Company, where he helped set the go-to-market strategy, vision, and planning for the organization. Steve has a long history with international business after working in the US, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.