Microsoft has switched two of its executives serving in key positions within the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
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The tech giant has moved the corporation’s UK CEO, Clare Barclay to take over from Darren Hardman’s role of President of Enterprise and Industry for the EMEA.
Meanwhile, Hardman will take on the post of UK CEO that Barclay is leaving behind.
Barclay took to LinkedIn to express her excitement about her new role in EMEA and comment on her long-standing relationship with her counterpart, Hardman: “After proudly leading the world-class Microsoft UK team for the last four years, I am thrilled to share the news that I will be moving to an exciting new role at Microsoft as President, Enterprise and Industry for the EMEA region.”
I am honoured to take on this new opportunity driving innovation and growth across 120 markets.”
“A deep thank you to the customers, partners and Microsoft teams I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I look forward to the continued partnership.”
“The business is in great hands with my successor, Darren Hardman, who I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with over many years.”
Barclay Heads Up EMEA
The technology news website ‘The Register’ observed that Barclay has worked for Microsoft in the UK since 1998 and was also made chair of the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.
Within her time as CEO of Microsoft UK, Microsoft said in its announcement that Barclay had helped customers and partners to “transform” over a long timeframe.
Furthermore, major industry partnerships have been built during Barclay’s leadership throughout the AI era, such as with Vodafone, Sainsbury’s, and the London Stock Exchange Group.
Barclay will now apply the experience she has gained to support innovation and growth with customers, partners, innovators, and start-ups throughout EMEA’s 120 markets.
Hardman to Lead UK
Darren Hardman is set to take on Barclay’s post as CEO of Microsoft UK from November 1.
According to Microsoft, since joining in May 2023, Hardman has taken an “industry-centric approach” and created partnerships with companies and start-ups within EMEA.
Hardman has overseen the launch of Microsoft’s Software and Digital Platforms business in EMEA for the region’s Digital Native and ISV customers.
He previously served as CEO of AWS’ UK and Ireland division and as President of Avanade EMEA.
Hardman also shared his feelings about the shift in the role via LinkedIn:
I am privileged to announce that I will be starting a new role as CEO of Microsoft, UK starting 1st November.”
“The UK is one of the most innovative countries and sophisticated adopters of technology globally, especially in the realm of AI, and I’m incredibly excited to be leading our talented team in this dynamic market.”
He then reflected on his time overseeing enterprise and industry in EMEA: “As the President of Enterprise & Industry EMEA, I’ve had the tremendous opportunity to work with our breadth of customers in the region to help them navigate this new Era of AI and drive transformation across industries.”
“Building Microsoft’s Software and Digital Platforms business in EMEA, working with our portfolio of aspiring digital natives and ecosystem of ISV customers has been an inspiring endeavour, and I look forward to working in close partnership with this business in the UK.”
In April this year, Microsoft hired Meta’s former VP of Infrastructure, Jason Taylor, as Corporate Vice President and Deputy CTO.
