Microsoft Raids Qualcomm's Executive Bench, Hires Business Development Chief

Microsoft said Tuesday it hired Peggy Johnson, a 24-year Qualcomm veteran, to fill the newly created role of executive vice president of global business development.

Johnson will report to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella when she starts her new job Sept. 1.

Johnson will be tasked with "driving strategic business deals and partnerships across various industries with key customers, strategic innovation partners, OEMs, key accounts, third-party publishers and industry influencers," the Redmond, Wash.-based vendor said in a statement.

[Related: Microsoft Exec Touts Hybrid Cloud Approach, Tells VMware 'You Can't Dabble In Public Cloud']

"Peggy shares our worldview and knows what it takes to drive new growth in mobility and the cloud," Nadella said in a statement. "Her experience uniquely positions her to lead Microsoft's business development efforts, and she will be a great addition to our senior leadership team."

Johnson is "deeply technical" with a background in engineering, sales and marketing, a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email.

Johnson held a number of roles while at Qualcomm, including running the chipmaker's global marketing organization and strategic relationships, as well as Qualcomm Labs, which develops new technologies and businesses.

Microsoft hasn't previously had a dedicated global business development chief. Former Microsoft executive Tony Bates held the role of executive vice president of business development and evangelism from last July until leaving in March of this year.

Eric Rudder, Microsoft executive vice president of advanced strategy, has been handling business development on an interim basis since Bates left, and these duties will now fall under Johnson's purview.

Re/Code first reported that Microsoft had poached Johnson from Qualcomm last week.

PUBLISHED AUG. 5, 2014