Google taps Amazon.com veteran for key Seattle-area position |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
Jeff Bezos Watch
- Jeff Bezos 'grateful' to be selling millions and millions of Kindles
- Nick Hanauer and others invest $3.1 million in Qliance
- Survey: Employees say it's just 'OK' to work at Microsoft
- Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos give $15M for Princeton brain center
- Newsmaker of the Year surprise: Savitt beats Bezos, Allen
Google taps Amazon.com veteran for key Seattle-area position
Silver
Google says Scott Silver will be the new site director for its Kirkland outpost, replacing Peter Wilson, who said last week that he's leaving to launch his own startup.
Silver joined the company from Amazon.com a few years ago. He has been working most recently on Google's advertising optimization and analysis products. He was named a Google engineering director last year.
Here's how Silver describes himself on his LinkedIn profile.
I like building high-transaction systems that delight customers and make money. I care about the technical details - I think systems should be beautiful on the outside and inside. I care about good products: from business models, to user interface design, to execution. ... I've worked at startups like i-drive.com and big companies like Google, Amazon and Netscape. ... I like interviewing folks. It's hard to assess talent. ... I like to ship. A lot.
Wilson had worked previously at Microsoft, so it's notable that Google has tapped a veteran of the region's other tech giant as the new Kirkland director. Brian Bershad, a former University of Washington professor, is the company's Seattle site director.
"Peter is a terrific guy who has done a terrific job, but nobody is indispensable, and I don't think this adversely affects Google locally," wrote Ed Lazowska, a UW computer science professor, when we asked via email for his reaction to Wilson's departure, before we found out about Silver's appointment. Lazowska noted that the Kirkland office made it smoothly through a previous leadership transition.
"There are hundreds of superb engineers over there, and dozens of great projects, and plenty of leadership-in-training," Lazowska continued. "And there's a whole 'nother office in Seattle. The positive is that it contributes a seasoned veteran to the local startup scene -- Peter spent a number of years at Microsoft before Google, so is really well connected and experienced. The great news is the diversity of the information technology businesses that have grown up around here, largely as a result of Microsoft making Seattle its home."
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
