Lillian Barnard, formerly the CEO of Microsoft South Africa, has been appointed as the new President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa (MEA), a significant promotion that highlights her exemplary leadership and contribution to the company. In her new role, Barnard will be responsible for steering Microsoft’s strategic direction, growth, and digital transformation agenda across the MEA region, which encompasses 79 countries.
Barnard’s appointment marks a major milestone, especially as she becomes one of the few women to hold such a prominent leadership position in the global tech industry. Her leadership in South Africa was marked by major achievements in cloud adoption, digital skills development, and business transformation, all contributing to Microsoft’s broader goals of inclusive digital growth.
With over 25 years of experience in the ICT industry, Barnard has held various leadership roles in multinational companies, bringing a wealth of knowledge and vision to the position. Microsoft’s announcement underscores its commitment to promoting inclusive leadership and leveraging local expertise to address the unique needs of diverse markets across MEA.
Her promotion is expected to further accelerate digital transformation initiatives in the region, empowering governments, businesses, and communities through innovation, digital skills, and responsible AI. Barnard’s elevation is not only a win for Microsoft but also a testament to the growing impact of African leaders on the global tech landscape.
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