Microsoft bolsters executive ranks at security unit

SAN FRANCISCO – Microsoft Corp., as part of its battle against cybersecurity threats, is moving two senior executives to its security business and technology unit, the company said Monday.

Gordon Mangione is leaving his post as corporate vice president in charge of marketing and development of Microsoft’s SQL Server database to take responsibility for product development and support at the security business and technology unit, Microsoft said in a statement.

Rich Kaplan, corporate vice president in charge of Microsoft’s content development and delivery group, will become responsible for security marketing, which includes product marketing, public relations, emergency communications and business development, Microsoft said.

Mangione is in the process of moving jobs, while Kaplan will switch next month, a Microsoft spokeswoman said.

Kaplan has already been involved with security communications at Microsoft. The content development and delivery group is responsible for several Microsoft Web sites, including Microsoft.com, Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet, which are used to bring security information to Microsoft customers.

The two executives will help Microsoft drive its security initiatives and commitment to deliver products that better protect customers and the industry, Amy Carroll, director of product management at the security business and technology unit, said in the statement.

Both Mangione and Kaplan will remain corporate vice presidents. They will report to Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the security business unit, Microsoft said. A replacement for Kaplan at the content development group has not yet been named. Mangione’s responsibilities will be taken on by Paul Flessner, senior vice president of Microsoft’s platform division, and several general managers, the company said.