Microsoft Corp. today announced the appointment of Allison L. Watson to replace Rosa Garcia as vice president of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group. Before her new position, Watson was chief of staff for Kevin Johnson, senior vice president of Microsoft Americas, where she drove several business development projects. She also served for three years as general manager of the Washington, D.C.- based mid-Atlantic district directing the sales, marketing and consulting teams, where she led her team to top results in customer and partner satisfaction and revenue growth. Before her tenure as general manager, she spent seven years in the mid-Atlantic sales district and on the East Region leadership teams in a variety of leadership roles. Watson's work helped define Microsoft's U.S. strategy around integrated partner marketing and selling, partner development and recruitment, and the alignment of sales, services and partner models. Watson also was instrumental as a field thought leader in the development of Microsoft's Organization Customer Unit and in work with the Enterprise Partner Group and Integrated Solution Selling.

"Allison has been a key advocate, field strategist and supporter of partners during her Microsoft career. We look forward to her vision and input as we continue a re-energized company focus on enabling and engaging all Microsoft partners," said Lindsay Sparks, vice president of the Worldwide Small and Medium Business Group at Microsoft.