Business

Microsoft loses two ad execs as it makes pitch for more digital dollars

Microsoft is losing a pair of top ad executives just as it makes its pitch for more digital ad dollars, The Post has learned.

Richard Dunmall, vice president in charge of Microsoft’s relationships with global ad agencies and accounts, has left the company. Marc Bresseel, vice president of global marketing, is also said to be headed for the exits, sources said.

Dunmall could be a candidate for a top role at Google as headhunters are trying to fill a senior advertising position there, sources said.

The timing is unfortunate for Microsoft, which just yesterday made its presentation to advertisers during the so-called NewFronts, an online-content gathering. The two-week event, where Microsoft was joined by rivals YouTube, Yahoo!, Hulu and AOL, started on Monday in New York City.

Sources said Microsoft is struggling to hit its internal budget numbers even though digital advertising is growing and grabbing a bigger slice of marketers’ budgets.

While its ad business is tiny compared to its massive software sales, Microsoft has long tried to expand its ad-supported businesses, including Web portal MSN, search engine Bing and the Xbox Live online service.

Keith Lorizio, vice president of sales and marketing, will oversee the global agency team, according to AdWeek, which first reported the departures. Microsoft did not respond to an e-mail request for comment.