mig33 Names Ex-Microsoft Exec Chris Chandler as Vice President, Business Development

SINGAPORE, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- mig33, the world's largest mobile-first community, today announced the appointment of Chris Chandler as vice president, business development.  Chandler joins mig33 from Microsoft Corporation's Consumer & Online Division, and will spearhead mig33's expansion across mobile-first markets worldwide.

Chandler brings more than a decades' experience developing, marketing and distributing consumer services and content for web and mobile platforms.  At Microsoft, Chandler managed the mobile services business of Windows Live and MSN across Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

"In two years, mig33 has doubled to 40 million registered users by delivering one of the world's most rich and dynamic mobile experiences," said Steven Goh, CEO and co-founder, mig33.  "Chris is perfectly suited to grow that customer base, develop new markets and further align mig33 with industry partners."  

Chandler joins a mig33 team that has witnessed many recent successes.  Last fall, mig33 rolled out new partnership programs aimed at handset manufacturers and mobile content providers, launched a popular Android version, and closed an $8.9 million Series C round.  In 2010, mig33's virtual economy saw more than 30 million virtual goods sold.

"mig33's growth has been stunning, and its focus on mobile-first markets has yielded huge dividends," said Chandler.  "Nonetheless, there remain huge opportunities to be explored and developed and I look forward to helping make that happen."

Chandler has previously worked with Yahoo! as head of mobile products for Asia-Pacific where he co-developed the region's first business plan and developed the product strategy and roadmap for the newly formed business unit across China, India, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.  He also served as Director of Operations at Mikoshi (Asia-Pacific) PTE LTD, a boutique gaming developer/studio that produces multiplayer Java and SMS games for mobile phones.

About mig33

mig33 is the world's largest mobile-first community, delivering communications and social entertainment to more than 40 million registered members. Everyday, members in over 200 countries engage in chat, share photos, join groups, send gifts, play games, create avatars, call friends, email and much more. The service is available worldwide and optimized for more than 2,000 handsets. Launched in December 2005, mig33 is backed by Silicon Valley venture firms Accel Partners, Redpoint Ventures and DCM. For more information, please visit www.mig33.com.

SOURCE mig33