On Wednesday Microsoft said that 41-year-old Amy Hood has become the company's chief financial officer, succeeding Peter Klein. Her role as CFO is effective immediately, and Klein will remain at Microsoft until June to ensure a smooth transition. This is the first time in Microsoft's history that a female has held this position.
Hood joined Microsoft in December 2002 as a part of the investor relations group. She eventually became chief of staff in the Server and Tools group, then ran the strategy and business development team in the company's $24.1 billion Microsoft Business Division (MBD).
In January 2010 she became CFO of the division, overseeing all financial strategy, management and reporting. Hood was also deeply involved in the strategy development and overall execution of the company’s successful acquisitions of Skype and Yammer.
“I’m excited to step into this role and look forward to working closely again with our investors and shareholders,” Hood said. “Peter has built a world-class finance team, and I am set up well to continue the company’s strong discipline around costs and focus on driving shareholder value.”
Prior to working at Microsoft, Hood worked at Goldman Sachs in various roles including investment banking and capital markets groups. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Duke University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.
"Amy brings the right talents and experiences to the role as we continue to strengthen our focus on devices and services," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "She has been an instrumental leader in the Microsoft Business Division, helping lead the transition to services with Office 365 and delivering strong financial and operational management throughout her time on the business."
