Microsoft Asia names new president to drive digital transformation

Microsoft Asia has appointed Ahmed Mazhari as the new president and corporate vice president of Microsoft Corporation. Effective 10 February 2020, he will take the reins from Ralph Haupter, who will be the president of EMEA region for Microsoft starting 1 April 2020. Both Haupter and Mazhari will work together to ensure a transition until 31 March 2020.

In his new role, Mazhari (pictured) will harness his experience in leading and implementing digital transformation and fostering strong collaboration between organisations, to spearhead Microsoft’s work in the region. He will report to Jean-Philippe Courtois, executive vice president and president, global sales, marketing and operations, Microsoft Corporation.

Mazhari joins Microsoft following 23 years at General Electric (GE) and Genpact, where he most recently served as senior vice president and chief growth officer. With GE and Genpact, he led the company’s growth globally across all industry verticals, products, service lines and geographies. According to a media statement, he also championed partnerships and alliances with strategic service providers to deliver and enhance client value propositions.

Prior to his stint with GE and Genpact, Mazhari have worked in the US, Asia and Europe, helming global and regional leadership roles. He also held senior leadership roles with Xerox for over five years.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Microsoft and excited by its mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. It is an honor and great pleasure to lead Microsoft in Asia, my home region, the vibrant epicentre of global economic activity, with organisations who are unparalleled in their willingness to boldly adopt emerging business models and technologies. I look forward to working closely with our customers, partners and employees to accelerate digital transformation in this region,” said Mazhari.

Meanwhile, Courtois said with his strong track record and passion for empowering customers, Mazhari will continue to drive an innovative approach, supporting the region’s economic growth and societal goals. "I would also like to thank Haupter for his significant contributions to Asia, as he takes on a new role leading our EMEA region and continues to make an impact within Microsoft,” he added.

Microsoft Asia recently appointed Edelman Singapore to manage corporate, commercial, consumer and analyst relations at the Asia HQ level. The agency will draw on its full range of capabilities, from corporate reputation, digital marketing and creative, to help Microsoft in promoting and protecting company’s brand and thought leadership positioning in Asia. This came shortly after it parted ways with PR agency IN.FOM, which previously handled Microsoft’s commercial and consumer AOR remit since September 2013.