As the Director of Search for Ask Jeeves, Inc., Michael Palka is responsible for Ask Jeeves’ Search product management and strategy. Palka supports the long-term strategic development for Search by performing market analysis and competitive evaluations, setting strategic objectives, and overseeing the project development and execution process. Palka also serves as a liaison in providing technical guidance to the California and UK offices. Prior to joining Ask Jeeves, Palka was the senior director of marketing and brand strategy for the Sara Lee Corporation. While at Sara Lee, Palka was responsible for all brand management and business development initiatives, including long-term divisional strategy for the Hanes, Ralph Lauren and Kenneth Cole brands. Palka’s prior experience includes marketing and general management activities for the South Asia Corporation as well as managing domestic advertising, strategic planning, promotion and new market expansion for Mattel, Inc. He also worked as a senior associate product manager for the Ultress brand at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Clairol division. Michael Palka received his MBA in Marketing from New York University’s, Leonard N. Stern School of Business. He received a BS in Marketing from Boston University, School of Management.