He is responsible for channel strategy, account management and retail operations for PC software (Windows, Office), hardware (mice, keyboards and webcams) and the Xbox 360 gaming console.
This year, he has been at the forefront of local retail campaigns for stand-out products including the Halo 3 and the entire range of Microsoft Hardware that works in synch with the Windows Vista operating system.
While at Nestle, he worked on recognised brands including Nescafe, Milo and Kit Kat.
Davis previously captained the Australian surf life-saving team three times over.
CRN: How long have you been working at Microsoft
Davis: I've been at Microsoft for nearly two years (I started in July 2007).
CRN: Where were you working beforehand
Davis: Prior to joining Microsoft I was at Nestle for eight years.
CRN: What inspired you to make the move into consumer technology
Davis: I really wanted a new challenge and felt a change of industry would be a great way to expand my horizons.
When I met the Director from Microsoft's Entertainment Division and was offered the opportunity to work for a company that has fundamentally transformed the world as we know it, how could I not have said yes.
CRN: How have you found the transition from FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) to technology sale
Davis: The change from FMCG to technology has been a lot of fun.
It's been a huge challenge to learn a new category, new products and become part of a new team.
Retailers in both industries face similar challenges, although there are many more retailers in the technology space.
Conversely, there is much more shopper data available in FMCG, so technology retailers are more willing to implement trials to stay ahead of the curve and differentiate from one another.
CRN: In your experience, what has been the biggest difference between dealing with retailers in FMCG opposed to those in consumer technology
Davis: The IT retail environment is very fragmented compared to FMCG and consumer demand for technology is incredibly high across categories and products.
For example, we launched the exclusive Xbox game Halo 3 at midnight and sold about 10,000 copies in two hours, which is huge for any product.
CRN: What type of offers and incentives do you provide to you retailers
Davis: We support our retailers with the strength of our marketing, advertising, public relations, promotions and visual merchandising teams, who generate consumer demand and support for our product portfolio.
We work with retailers on a case by case basis to provide them with what they need to achieve their sales goals.
CRN: How are your retailers surviving the downturn
Davis: Most of our retailers are focusing on becoming more efficient at what they do, and ensuring their consumer offer is compelling.
With gaming as an industry growing at around 40 per cent year on year retailers have a terrific opportunity to drive foot traffic into their stores.
CRN: How do you think the consumer electronics industry will fare this year. What products do you think will survive the downturn
Davis: Home entertainment will continue to run hot as consumers transform their lounge rooms into nests of comfort during tough economic times.
This trend of stay-at-home vacations (or staycations) will likely carry into the future, buoying up sales of consumer electronics like home entertainment, video game consoles and accessible productivity software.
CRN: How do you unite and inspire integrated teams that promote very different and dynamic products
Davis: While Microsoft has a huge range of products and services, it is also one of the only brands that can link your world seamlessly.
For me it is about starting with the consumer and shopper at the forefront of everything we do, if you win with them you will win the sales.
My job is to clear any roadblocks for my team so they can deliver results and stay focused on their customers.
CRN: How do you manage to maintain a healthy work/life balance in a demanding industry
Davis: I have a routine that works for me. I get up early each morning at 5:30am to exercise, get to work by 7am and finish no later than 5:30pm so I can get home in time to play with my young kids.
I have a 4pm Friday rule and ensure that I exercise at least four times a week.
I very rarely take my PC home. While this might not work for everyone I find it works really well for me.
I always carry my Windows Mobile so if there is an emergency I can be contacted.
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