Microsoft today said that it has appointed Kevin Turner to the role of chief operating officer. Until now, Turner was president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club and executive vice president of Wal-Mart Stores. He will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Microsoft’s sales, marketing and service staff. Turner’s first day at Microsoft will be Sept. 8.

Kevin Johnson, current group vice president of worldwide sales, marketing and services at Microsoft, will transition some of his key roles to Turner and will be named to a new executive position that will be announced "within 30 days," Microsoft said. (THG)