In an emotional LinkedIn post, Microsoft’s global lead for Advertising, Rob Wilk announced that he will be leaving the company after 8 years. Wilk went ahead to recount some key moments and achievements during his tenure, all geared towards transforming a paid search offering to the now “full-funnel, $10 billion+ ad business”.
WIlk recounts key moments and highlights during his tenure in the post:
We welcomed the teams from PromoteIQ and Xandr, created a first of its kind measurement partnership with Roku, launched our exclusive partnership with Netflix, developed our official presence in Japan and so much more.
Lots of emotions, but mostly I am feeling grateful. Grateful for the team, grateful for an amazing leadership team and grateful to our clients, partners and agencies we get to work with every day.
Wilk stated that leaving the company to take the next step in his career. It is not yet clear where he’s headed and the role he is going to take up, though he has indicated that he’ll disclose more details in the next few weeks. Wilk has since updated his bio on Twitter which now reads “New role coming soon!”
Kya Sainsbury-Carter, the current Vice President at Microsoft Advertising will take up Wilk’s role effective immediately. It will be interesting to see the direction Microsoft Advertising takes moving forward, and if the company will be able to double its advertising revenue to $20 billion per year.
At OnMSFT, we wish both Wilk and Kya all the best in their future endeavors.
