Skip to main content

Apple hires Xbox Live veteran for App Store marketing

Robin Burrowes, the person in charge of Xbox Live marketing in the EMEA region, left Microsoft for Apple and is now charged with heading the App Store marketing initiatives for iTunes Europe. Burrowes led Xbox Live marketing for seven years and were responsible for product, business and marketing management as well as planning, strategy and leadership of Xbox Live across regions, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to joining Apple, the executive was involved with Microsoft’s MSN online operation as events/B2B marketing manager, British retail chain HMV (promotions manager) and Tennent Caledonian Breweries (brand marketing manager).

Burrowes graduated from University of Strathclyde in 1991. Apple fashionably would not comment on its new hire. Hiring yet another games veteran indicates Apple’s desire to expand on iTunes gaming initiatives in Europe. Apple’s business in the region and around the world is booming on strong iPhone sales. Interestingly, a recent job listing on Microsoft’s website for a software development engineer possibly hinted at Xbox Live games for iOS devices. A spokesperson for the Windows maker told Forbes they are “working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.”

Burrowes’ LinkedIn profile also stated his key achievements include developing and executing several new business initiatives, such as Xtival Free Live Weekend, Summer of Football promotional campaign, entertainment content strategy, and a bunch of retail promotions. He also “over-achieved on all subscription and revenue targets from 2008 to 2010, driving notable increases both paid subscriptions and ARPU.” Sounds just like an A-player Apple would love to have on its team. Apple has been bolstering its App Store talent with other notable industry professionals.

iOS games are continuing to rake in well over an estimated one-third of total App Store revenues. As MCV pointed out, last year the company hired former Nintendo Public Relations Chief Robert Saunders to promote iOS apps. Another high-profile hire includes: (former) Activision, EA, and Xbox public relations head Nick Grange, who is charged with promoting the hardware side of Apple’s business. Most recent —and by far the most controversial hire— includes a new retail manager, John Browett, who was CEO at European electronics retail chain Dixons.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel