Microsoft Australia has appointed Tony Ward as director of business and marketing operations.

He is joined by Joanna Stevens Kramer who will become the head of corporate communications.

Ward is responsible for driving strategic integration of business, marketing, and operational leadership across Microsoft Australia. He reports to managing director, Tracey Fellows.

“Tony’s on-going leadership across Microsoft Australia and New Zealand epitomise Microsoft’s aim of ‘right person, right job’,” said Fellows.

“His breadth of experience across the company, his strong leadership and business acumen, and his successful track record, make him the obvious person to lead our business and marketing operations.

"I’m delighted to be working closely with him and his team as we take our efforts to the next level,” she added.

Ward has been with Microsoft for eight years. Under his direction, the midmarket division was recognised as the fastest growing business worldwide for a large developed subsidiary.

Prior to this, he was the server business group director, Microsoft Australia; as well as business and marketing officer, Microsoft New Zealand and director .NET and developer group, Microsoft New Zealand.

“My time with Microsoft has seen some of the most satisfying and exciting experiences of my career as I’ve witnessed the company go from continued strength to strength,” said Ward.

“In my new role, I’m looking forward to leading the creations of the most effective, connected, and customer-oriented marketing organisation.”

Born in Canada, Ward travelled to New Zealand in 1990 where he represented his country as a cyclist in the 1990 Commonwealth Games, and migrated there in 1994.

He moved to Australia a decade later in 2004. Before joining Microsoft, he worked for esolutions, a joint venture between Telecom New Zealand, Microsoft and EDS, Telecom Internet Services (Xtra), and Advantage Group Limited.

He will replace Alex Stewart who has been appointed consumer and online international general manager, Microsoft Australia, where he is responsible for leading Microsoft’s consumer and online businesses in Australia.

Stevens Kramer joins the company after serving as vice president of corporate communications for Yahoo! Inc. in the US.

Stevens Kramer was responsible for developing and directing an integrated external and internal communications strategy.

“I believe I have joined Microsoft at a pivotal time in the evolution of technology," she said.

"The company is in a unique position to combine their leadership in software creation with the power of the Internet across a growing world of devices.

“I’m looking forward to being an integral part of helping communicate the company’s vision for how they will bring value to companies and consumers in this ever-changing landscape.”