Microsoft Corporation (MS) has announced the promotion of Ali Dalloul, currently GM, MS North Gulf region — which encompasses Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq — to GM, Business Operations Group, MS Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Dalloul will report directly to Neil Holloway, MS Corporate Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Services across EMEA, and will relocate to Microsoft’s offices in the UK. As GM of North Gulf, Dalloul managed the overall strategic business of the North Gulf market for Microsoft and established an in-country presence for the software giant in all three countries, with Iraq soon to follow.
“We have mixed emotions about Ali’s move to EMEA headquarters. We are losing a key member of the Middle East’s leadership team, and a person who contributed a great deal to the success of Microsoft’s business in this part of the world. We are proud, however, that one of our own has been recognized for his great leadership, contributions and accomplishments. We are confident that such a move will only further enhance the visibility of the work we undertake in our local and regional markets,” said Mohammed Kateeb, regional director, MS Middle East.
As GM, Business Operations Group, EMEA region, Dalloul will be a member of the EMEA Headquarters Leadership Team responsible for approximately one-third of Microsoft’s global business.
“Ali’s promotion is a reflection of the outstanding work Microsoft has been doing in the Middle East at large and in the North Gulf region particularly. This is a clear indication that Microsoft takes the Middle East region very seriously and is more committed than ever to grow the market, the IT industry at large, and its people, whilst developing the communities, channels and citizenship in the countries within which we operate,” Kateeb added.
“My appointment to EMEA HQ is a reflection on the quality of the people I have been working with in the Middle East,” said Dalloul. “The level of commitment, accomplishment and desire amongst my team and peers to deliver value to our customer and partners, develop the industry, and improve the quality of life through technology is phenomenal.”