Interactive media company ninemsn has appointed Joe Pollard as its new chief executive officer.

The company is a joint venture between Microsoft and PBL Media, hosting Windows Live Hotmail, Live Messenger, Live Search and delivering content from Nine Network programs like Getaway, the Today Show, A Current Affair and National Nine News.

For the past two years Pollard has been director of sales and marketing for PBL Media. In her new role as CEO of ninemsn Pollard replaces Tony Faure who officially left the company in August 2008.

Pollard started her career in Australia and worked initially on the agency side with JWT and later Mindshare before moving offshore to Asia as regional media director. She then entered a 10-year career with Nike in the US and Japan.

Initially she was global director of media, digital and content where she oversaw Nike’s media investments in more than 30 countries. Pollard then led Nike.com from 2000 to 2004 and started a branded content division to exploit Nike’s intellectual property.

Ian Law, chairman of ninemsn, says, “Joe will focus strongly on building the creativity and leveraging the substantial assets of both PBL Media and Microsoft. This will include driving commercial opportunities across the ninemsn platform, and the related business units within PBL Media in Nine, and ACP Magazines.”

Alex Stewart, general manager, consumer and online at Microsoft Australia, agrees. “Joe has an excellent reputation in the industry and brings with her a wealth of international experience in developing great digital content coupled with a strong knowledge of the Australian media landscape.”

Pollard says her CEO role at ninemsn is a fantastic opportunity. “I am very excited and passionate about the future of digital media and the role ninemsn will play in shaping its direction. I am also excited at leading such a talented group of people who work at ninemsn.”