Microsoft has appointed a paper industry specialist as
its new chief financial officer.
Chris Liddell was previously chief financial officer at
International Paper, a US Fortune 100 company. Before that, he
served as chief executive officer of one of New Zealand's largest
companies, Carter Holt Harvey, another forest products company.
"Chris brings great talent and skills both in finance and in
business leadership," said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. "Having
been both CEO and CFO of international companies gives him the
ability to contribute broadly to our finance, operations and
business strategy."
"The tremendous level of optimism, energy and passion for
excellence at Microsoft was a major factor behind why I am
delighted to take on this opportunity," Liddell said. "Given
Microsoft's track record of innovation, outstanding people and
proven ability to create value, the opportunities that lie ahead
are nearly limitless."
International Paper bills itself as the world’s largest forest
products company, and Liddell was a fierce cost-cutter at the
company.
Carter Holt Harvey is New Zealand’s second-largest listed
company. While there, Liddell shrank the company’s operation
through restructuring and selling off acquisitions.
Before joining Carter Holt Harvey, Liddell was managing director
and joint chief executive officer at CS First Boston NZ. Liddell
holds an engineering degree from the University of Auckland and a
master of philosophy degree from Oxford University.
Microsoft’s previous CFO left at the beginning of the year to
join a venture capital company.
