Traverse City, Mich. — Bringing more than 20 years experience in consulting, sales and marketing leadership, David Graff today was appointed automotive and industrial equipment (AIE) industry solutions director for Microsoft Corp.’s U.S. Manufacturing Industry Group.

Graff will lead efforts in developing and executing Microsoft’s sales strategy, solutions portfolio and marketing for automotive manufacturers, suppliers and industrial equipment makers. He will report to Microsoft Vice President of U.S. Commercial Sector Industries John Fikany’s organization, and will oversee an industry team of sales solution specialists, technology specialists and partner managers.

Since 2005, Graff served as Microsoft’s global business manager for Ford Motor Co. In leading the account team, Graff developed and implemented business solutions across several broad functional areas, such as manufacturing, engineering, sales and marketing, and in-vehicle offerings. Prior to Microsoft, Graff spent the majority of his career with Ernst & Young’s manufacturing consulting practice, where he worked with companies such as Ford, Honeywell, Whirlpool and Rubbermaid on major re-engineering projects.

Graff earned his bachelor’s of science degree in industrial engineering from Arizona State University, and he currently resides in Grosse Pointe, Mich.