Microsoft Advertising chief Kya Sainsbury-Carter steps down after 2 decades
Matt Derella is taking on an expanded role, leading LinkedIn Ads and go-to-market for Microsoft Advertising
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Published: May 20, 2026 8:25 AM | 1 min read
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- Kya Sainsbury-Carter, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Advertising, is leaving Microsoft after a 20-year career with the company.
- She joined Microsoft in 2006 and has held various senior roles, reflecting on her long tenure and the impact of the company on her identity.
- LinkedIn announced that Matt Derella will expand his role to oversee LinkedIn Ads and the go-to-market strategy for Microsoft Advertising.
- Sainsbury-Carter plans to focus on personal growth outside of corporate life while expressing confidence in the future of the advertising business and praising her colleague Derella.
Kya Sainsbury-Carter, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Advertising, has announced her departure from Microsoft after a 20-year career.
Sainsbury-Carter joined Microsoft in 2006 as Director & Senior Director, US Advertising Sales (Progressive Roles). Over the following two decades, she held a series of senior roles.
In a LinkedIn post, Sainsbury-Carter shared, “I was humbled when I came to Microsoft 20 years ago. I was humbled when I took this job three years ago,” and also added, “Microsoft has been my identity for a long time.”
In a separate announcement, LinkedIn confirmed that Matt Derella, who joined the company in December 2024 to lead global sales for the advertising business, will expand his remit to oversee LinkedIn Ads and the go-to-market strategy for Microsoft Advertising.
In her farewell message, Sainsbury-Carter added that she was now looking forward to “reclaiming” her identity outside corporate life and focusing on opportunities that would “grow and stretch” her in new ways.
Sainsbury-Carter expressed confidence in the future direction of the advertising business and praised Derella as “a friend and respected colleague”.
Across nearly 30 years in global B2B and B2C environments, Sainsbury-Carter has worked across commercial, revenue and organisational leadership roles. Her experience spans enterprise and SMB revenue leadership, digital media strategy, go-to-market planning, talent development and channel partnerships.
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