Sources familiar with the matter confirm that after spending nearly two years as EVP/managing partner at McCann New York, Matt Donovan has moved cross-country to Seattle. For what, you ask? Well, from what we’ve been told by those in the know, Donovan is joining up with a little company called Microsoft. Spies are adding that the exec’s new role at the Redmond, WA giant is global general manager position on Microsoft Windows Phone, though we’re still getting confirmation on that.
Donovan joined McCann in fall 2010 from Euro RSCG, where he held a few positions over a four-year span including chief strategy officer for Euro RSCG Asia-Pacific followed by CSO for Euro 4AD North America. We’ve been told it was an “amicable” split between McCann and Donovan, whose departure comes just a few months after Thom Gruhler left said agency for a VP of marketing post at Microsoft on Windows Phone. Hmm, coincidence or are we noticing a trend here? As for a Donovan successor at McCann, sources familiar say that his responsibilities are being redistributed and there are no plans to hire a director replacement.