Microsoft's olive branch to Hollywood

PaidContent points to a recent MSFT hire that shows renewed signs of bridge building to Hollywood.

From Variety:

"Wall Street media and entertainment analyst Kathy Styponias is going to Microsoft, where she will lead the business development team that forges partnerships with Hollywood.

Styponias, who worked for the past 12 years as the senior cable, entertainment and satellite equity analyst at Prudential Securities, is taking up the newly created post of general manager in the tech giant's media and entertainment group. She reports to Blair Westlake, corporate VP in charge of the group.

She will lead a team focused primarily on acquiring content for Microsoft's growing suite of digital media services, including Xbox Live and Zune.

By hiring Styponias, who is well known among media execs, Microsoft is signaling a renewed investment in its relationships with content providers, just as it did when former Universal Television chairman Westlake came over in 2004."

From the press release:

"I've known Kathy for more than 10 years and have the highest regard for her," said Blair Westlake, corporate vice president of the Media & Entertainment Group at Microsoft. "Kathy brings to our team an unparalleled depth of knowledge and understanding about the entertainment industry that will help expand business opportunities for both Microsoft and its
partners."

"After 12 years covering developments in entertainment, I'm looking forward to turning my knowledge and relationships into opportunity for the industry," Styponias said. "This is a time of tremendous change in the way entertainment is being delivered, and Microsoft is a great place to influence the game."