Microsoft appoints new head for Middle East, Africa

Microsoft on Wednesday announced the appointment of Mr Samer Abu Ltaif as the president of its Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

This was in a statement released through the Quandrant MSLGROUP, the Public Relations outfit that handles Microsoft’s media affairs.

“Abu Ltaif, who joined Microsoft in 2004, has held many senior roles within the organization, including regional director for enterprise and partner group across MEA; most recently, he was the regional general manager of Microsoft Gulf.

“During his tenure, he led landmark Microsoft initiatives aimed at empowering governments and citizens through innovation, revolutionising education, stimulating SME growth and entrepreneurship, all to enhance the region’s global competitiveness and modernisation.

“Abu Ltaif played a key role in growing Microsoft’s presence in the Gulf and developing the company’s ecosystem of over 1,400 channel partners,” it said.

The statement also said that his vision for Microsoft in MEA was to contribute to the economic and social development of the region.

“MEA has tremendous potential. The rich diversity across the region, combined with the fast-growing youth population and innovative spirit, opens up enormous opportunity,

“As Microsoft, we have an important role to play, not only through the innovative technology that we bring to the market, but also through our presence across the region.

“Other important role is our focus on developing local talent, and our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate,” the statement quoted Abu Ltaif saying.

The statement added that the key part of Abu Ltaif’s role would be to drive the digital transformation agenda of the region across governments, enterprises, developers and small and medium businesses.

It said that his leadership would be instrumental in progressing Microsoft’s commitment to empower people, transform businesses, impact societies and fuel a knowledge economy in the MEA.

It said that he took over the reins from Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Ali Faramawy, who had headed the region for thirteen years.

“Faramawy, in turn, takes on a newly-announced global role as the head of the Emerging Markets Digital Transformation Organisation, which has been established within Microsoft.

“The new organisation will focus primarily on building the capability in emerging markets to drive the adoption of cloud technologies and contribute to sustainable growth.

“Innovation, agility, strategic partnerships, modern business models and building cloud skills for Microsoft partners, will be the core focus of this team,” it added.