Microsoft promotes ex-Moto exec Leung

Microsoft Corp., the world's largest software maker, said it appointed Simon Leung chief executive and chairman for Greater China as the company expands operations in the region.

Leung was previously president of Motorola Inc.'s Asia- Pacific operations, Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said in a press release today. He will report to Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft International, the statement said.

Leung becomes the third person to hold the post in the past 14 months and at least the second executive to be hired from Motorola to head up the software maker's China operations. Tim Chen, previously a chairman of Motorola China, departed Microsoft in September last year to head the National Basketball Association's business in the world's most-populous nation.

Zhang Ya-qin, who held the post in a caretaker role after Chen's departure, will continue as chairman of research and development at Microsoft China, the statement said.

Microsoft will spend $1 billion on research and development in China over the next three years, Christine Li, a company spokeswoman in China, said by phone today. The amount will include hiring staff and investment in new research projects, she said, without elaborating.