Microsoft hires ex-EA exec for Live services

John Schappert has been appointed to the newly-created position of Microsoft's corporate vice president of Live, software and services.

Schappert founded Tiburon Entertainment, which later became EA Tiburon, and also served in a number of positions at EA, including chief operating officer, group general manager and executive vice president.

In his new role Schappert will take responsibility for the running of Xbox Live, as well as Games for Windows - Live, XNA and Microsoft Casual Games.

Don Mattrick, vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, commented, "John's expertise will help us focus on expanding and enriching our market leadership with Live in areas like online services while broadening our audience."

Among the key game titles that Schappert previously worked on is EA's best-selling Madden franchise.