Benn Legg Leaves Google, Joins European Directories as COO

While it may seem that many management systems or operational interfaces are the hot commodity at the moment in the telecom industry, it’s not just the systems that are strategically sought after.

Companies like pan-European local search and lead generation company, European Directories, which provides local commercial search for consumers and lead generation to advertisers, are continuing to dip their toes into the market by going beyond perfecting their products, and reaching to perfect their staff as well. 

In fact, European Directories announced a big victory this morning when the company appointed Ben Legg as the Chief Operation Officer of the company. 

Having departed from search engine major, Google (News - Alert), Legg joins European Directories in an interesting situation, with Google and European Directories is high competition with one another. 

At Google, Legg served as Chief Operating Officer since January of this year and was Director of Operations in the two years prior. 

According to European Directories officials, Legg will assume direct responsibility for three of the company’s country operations. 

Legg will also head unnamed “group-wide initiatives” that will be launched to transform the traditionally print-based directory business to a multi-media lead generation venture. 

Providing over 700,000 SMB customers with a range of systems to enhance their local advertising needs, European Directories now employs 4,700 staff. 

Earlier this month, the company announced a strategic partnership with Skype which will offer customers free calls to its participating advertisers. On-line advertisers will have the opportunity to be highlighted with Skype’s (News - Alert) blue “Free Call” button anywhere their number appears on the internet.