Former Microsoft Dynamics GM Fred Studer jumps to NetSuite as CMO

Former Microsoft Dynamics CRM general manager Fred Studer has been named CMO of NetSuite, a perennial Dynamics ERP SMB rival. We announced earlier this week that Studer was leaving Microsoft amid some marketing management reorganization.

AdAge reported on the new role today, noting that Studer takes over NetSuite's marketing leadership role from CEO Zach Nelson, who has overseen it since the previous CMO, David Downing, departed in 2013.

For Studer, the move represents a step up in rank. He held a senior role under Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) executive management, but the move to a CMO position was a likely next step given that he probably had little chance to rise any further as a marketing professional under MBS marketing corporate vice president Wayne Morris. Before joining Microsoft, Studer was a group vice president of marketing at Oracle.

With a move to NetSuite, Studer potentially brings a fresh new communication style than NetSuite's prospects and competitors might be used to. The company has a reputation for aggressively criticizing its competitors, including Dynamics GP. Members of the Dynamics partner channel and some MBS officials have grown wary of Netsuite's negative attacks in recent years, which they feel use out of date notions, inaccurate information, and even outdated product naming to disparage the Dynamics product line.

The departure of Studer from MBS comes amid a more general marketing shuffle. Paul White continues to hold responsibility for SMB market, which is now widened to include solutions with both ERP and CRM components, Christian Pederson for Dynamics AX and platform positioning, Marie Huwe for marketing communications, and Paco Contreras Herrera for pricing and licensing.