Microsoft hires new chief operating officer

Microsoft Corp appointed Kevin Turner, a top executive at Wal-Mart Stores Inc, as its new Chief Operating Officer, the world's largest software maker said on Thursday. The appointment of Turner, 40, who will be in charge of Microsoft's global sales, marketing and service operations, is part of a wider reorganisation of executive positions, the Redmond, Washington-based company said in a statement.
Wal-Mart, in a separate announcement, said that Doug McMillon would replace Turner as head of its Sam's Club warehouse stores.
Microsoft's COO job, considered the No 3 position after Chairman Bill Gates and Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, has been vacant since 2002, when Rick Belluzzo left the position.