Ninemsn has confirmed Mark Britt's appointment to the top job, a week after he was tipped to take over from outgoing chief executive Joe Pollard.
Britt will become group chief executive, with responsibility for Ninemsn, a joint venture between Microsoft and Nine Entertainment Co., as well as other group assets including Windows Live, Bing, Cudo and investments in iSelect and RateCity.
He joins Ninemsn from Microsoft where he served as general manager of the consumer and online group, overseeing consumer software, online and advertising across Asia Pacific. Britt has also held other roles in the Microsoft family including a tenure as chief financial officer of Ninemsn between 2004 and 2006.
Ninemsn chairman Pat O'Sullivan said: "Mark is an exceptional executive with significant experience both in the Australian market and across Asia. Mark has been an integral contributor to the Ninemsn board of directors over many years and has a deep understanding of shareholder expectations and the continued opportunity for market leadership for the group."
Britt said: "I could not think of a more exciting time to come back into the Australian media industry. Ninemsn has a terrific opportunity to define the digital future for consumers and advertisers. Under Joe's leadership, we are coming off a very strong base with great momentum and have the team in place to continue to evolve and innovate our offering."
Microsoft Asia Pacific area vice president Tracey Fellowes said: "Having worked with Mark over the past six years, both in his roles at Ninemsn and Microsoft, I know how strong his leadership skills are and he has a history of delivering growth and innovation in digital media businesses."
Pollard resigned in May after three years in the job, to spend more time with her family. She departs the company in September, with Britt assuming the role on 1 September.
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