NEWS | Wednesday, 04 June 2008

Microsoft appoints Maltese EU Affairs Vice-President

Microsoft Corp. appointed John Vassallo as Vice President, EU Affairs. Vassallo joins Microsoft from General Electric, where he served as Senior Counsel & Director of European Affairs.
In this new Microsoft position, Vassallo, who will also serve as Associate General Counsel for the company, will be responsible for leading the company’s EU Corporate Affairs and Regulatory team. The creation of this role reflects the increasing importance of Microsoft’s engagement with the European Union across a wide range of policy areas.
John Vassallo, who officially begins in his new role on July 1, said: “Microsoft is a world leader in software technology and investing a lot to advance its relations across Europe. I look forward to helping lead the company in this area and strengthening the ongoing constructive dialogue with the EU policy and regulatory community.”
Microsoft Senior Vice President and General Counsel Brad Smith commented, “John is an outstanding professional with broad experience in EU public affairs who has a track record of developing strong partnerships and leading through constructive engagement. We are committed to strengthening our relationships in Brussels and throughout the European Union, and we’re delighted to have John join us in this new and important role.”
A Maltese national, John Vassallo brings with him a wealth of experience gained through a distinguished career encompassing legal, corporate and diplomatic appointments. At GE, a global and diversified technology, media and financial services company, he was responsible for heading the European Affairs office in Brussels, as well as serving as the business executive in charge of GE Benelux and Malta business units.
Before joining GE, Vassallo served as Ambassador of Malta to the European Union, NATO and Belgium, where he successfully prepared Malta’s accession to the EU and NATO. A lawyer by training, Vassallo spent 15 years in an active business career (covering financial, sales and managerial responsibilities) with Swedish multinational construction company Euroc Corporation, before coming to Brussels as a director of the European Cement Association.