Microsoft has announced that Clare Barclay, currently Chief Operating Officer at Microsoft UK, will become Chief Executive Officer from October.
Barclay succeeds Cindy Rose, who was appointed in 2016 and will become President for Microsoft’s business across Western Europe, which comprises 14 countries. Rose’s appointment is also effective from October.
Rose succeeds Vahé Torossian, who will lead Microsoft’s Business Applications Division at the company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
Barclay will be responsible for all of Microsoft’s commercial product, service and support offerings in the UK, continuing the company’s growth in the new era of the intelligent cloud and the intelligent edge.
Commenting on Barclay’s appointment, Ralph Haupter, President EMEA at Microsoft, said: “Globally, the UK is one of the most cloud-forward countries with customers who often lead in their adoption and use of new technologies.
“I could not be more delighted that Clare is stepping up to lead Microsoft in the UK. She brings deep insight to our customers’ and partners’ needs as well as exceptional leadership qualities, having repeatedly built high-performing teams across Microsoft. As we look to the next phase of Microsoft’s success in the UK, Clare’s experience and leadership will be invaluable.
“I am also delighted by Cindy’s appointment to lead our business in Western Europe. Her success in leading the UK over the last four years is built on her laser focus on doing the right thing for all our customers, bringing the best of Microsoft together to meet their needs and building an inclusive and healthy culture. She has led Microsoft UK to new heights and I look forward to her bringing these qualities to her new role.”
Barclay has worked at Microsoft for 22 years across a number of sales, marketing and strategy leadership roles.
Most recently she has been Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft in the UK. Prior to this she led the company’s work with small and medium-sized businesses as well as the company’s network of 25,000 UK partner organisations.
Barclay commented: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Microsoft in the UK and to take forward the success Cindy has delivered and the cultural transformation she has led over the last four years. This year has not only challenged us, it has also shown how technology can help us all thrive and adapt. I am looking forward to leading our amazing UK team in helping everyone in the UK to achieve more.”
“I am privileged and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Microsoft Western Europe and I will miss terribly our fantastic team here in the UK, along with our UK customers and partners with whom we have shared such great success,” said Rose. “I have no doubt that under Clare’s dynamic and experienced leadership the best is yet to come for Microsoft UK.”