Skype appoints technology and strategy officers

Leading VoIP provider, Skype, yesterday announced appointments to two newly created roles.

Daniel Berg was appointed Chief Technology Officer, and Christopher S. Dean was chosen as Chief Strategy Officer.

Both Berg and Dean will report direct to Skype President Josh Silverman.

Berg will join Skype on 1st January 2009, whilst Dean will assume his role immediately.

Berg formerly worked as Chief Technology Officer in Sun Microsystems’ Global Sales division, whilst corporate development specialist Dean most recently co-founded investment management firm Texada Capital.

As Chief Technology Officer, Berg will be responsible for developing Skype’s full range of technologies and products.

He will be expected to leverage the architectural vision of Skype’s technology teams, a role which will involve managing more than 300 research and development staff.

Dean’s role as Chief Strategy Officer will be to drive Skype’s strategic development.

Dean will be responsible for Skype’s global business and corporate development, strategic planning, and for developing new ideas and projects which support Skype’s technology vision and corporate goals.

Skype President Josh Silverman said: “The appointment of these pivotal roles for technology and strategy, at a time when many technology companies are cutting back on resources, demonstrates Skype’s commitment to driving forward a vision of technological innovation coupled with the creation of a world-class leadership team.

“With the team in place, we are better-placed to scale and develop with the rapid growth and potential of the business, and respond swiftly and dynamically to new opportunities as they arise.”