Change of CEO at Microsoft UK

To support emerging technologies such as AI and automation, Microsoft has announced changes to its senior leadership team in the EMEA market (Europe, Middle East, and Africa combined).

Clare Barclay will step down as CEO of the UK region, and the position will be taken over by Darren Hardman as of November 1.

Hardman joined Microsoft in May 2023 with the goal of leading the company into its next phase of growth.

Previously, he served as CEO of Amazon Web Services in the UK and Ireland and held a key position on the UK government's Digital Skills Council, bringing rich experience and outstanding leadership skills in the technology industry.

Microsoft's Investment in the UK

In November 2023, Microsoft announced the largest single investment in its history in the UK – £2.5 billion, to expand AI capacity, capability, and security.

This investment plan will double the scale of Microsoft's infrastructure in the UK, with an expected introduction of over 20,000 state-of-the-art graphics processors by 2026, crucial for machine learning and AI development. Additionally, Microsoft will launch a training program aimed at ensuring the UK has the skills necessary to build and use AI.

Through its investment and CEO change in the UK, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to emerging technologies such as AI and automation, as well as its emphasis on the UK market.