(Luxembourg 6 September 2005) – Skype, the pioneering Global Internet Communications Company which makes it possible for anyone with an Internet connection to make free high-quality phone calls to anyone in the world, today announced the appointment of Saul Klein as Vice President of Marketing based in London. Klein will oversee worldwide product marketing, partner marketing, integrated communications, research and brand management, playing a key role in the company’s growth.
In his new role, Klein will be responsible for driving the company’s strategic direction and global positioning. A seasoned professional with deep experience in digital and online markets, Klein is the former founder and CEO of Video Island, Europe's largest online DVD rental service.
"With his global perspective, Saul is an ideal addition to Skype’s leadership team and we are proud to welcome him as VP of Marketing," said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. "Saul is an exceptionally strong leader and a consumer-focused, savvy marketing strategist. He will center his efforts on consistently delivering the Skype experience to our fast growing user base, while continuing to grow exciting new markets."
Klein is a founding partner of The Accelerator Group (TAG), an international management advisory network that provides consulting services and access to strategic captial. Previously, Saul served as Group Program Manager for Web Platform Services at Microsoft. During his tenure, Klein managed the strategy and roll-out for the Microsoft Passport, as well as playing a key role in company-wide privacy initiatives.
Klein served as Senior Vice President, Brand & Strategy at Firefly Network before its acquisition by Microsoft, where he was responsible for growing Firefly’s member base and customers. Prior to Firefly, Klein was Director of Digital Communications at Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide where he developed award-winning integrated branding, marketing & media strategies for top brands such as IBM, Guinness and Unilever.
Klein was a founding member of TrustE, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the non-profit bridges.org. Klein writes a regular column on New Media for The Guardian and was a co-founder of The Electronic Telegraph, the world’s first daily newspaper on the Internet. Klein has been recognized by Advertising Age as one of their Top 25 Digital Marketers.
About Skype Technologies S.A.:
Skype, the Global Internet Communications Company™, allows people everywhere to make free, unlimited, superior quality voice calls via its award-winning, innovative peer-to-peer software for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Pocket PC platforms. Skype is available in 27 languages and is the fastest growing voice communications offering worldwide. Since its launch in August 2003, Skype has been downloaded more than155 million times in 225 countries and territories. Over 52 million people registered to use Skype’s free services, with over 3 million simultaneous users. Skype has more than 2 million premium customers, with over 12 billion minutes served. Skype Technologies S.A. is headquartered in Luxembourg and is growing its offices in London and Tallinn. Skype Technologies is privately held and backed by top tier international venture capital firms, including Bessemer Venture Partners, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Index Ventures, and Mangrove Capital Partners.
