Microsoft Corp has appointed Ali Faramawy as vice president, Microsoft International, with executive responsibilities across business strategy development and business operations for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Microsoft International is responsible for all sales, marketing and services activities for the regions outside of North America. Faramawy will report directly to Jean-Philippe Courtois, president, Microsoft International, and senior vice president, Microsoft Corporation.
“The Middle East and Africa represents one of Microsoft’s fastest growing, most dynamic and diverse markets. We have eight Microsoft subsidiaries and 30 offices in the region, which encompasses more than 70 countries across three continents. Ali has been instrumental in the growth and success of our business here,” said Courtois.
“MEA is a diverse and expanding region encompassing both developed and emerging economies,” said Faramawy. “Microsoft recognizes this diversity and wants to empower its subsidiary and sales office teams to even better connect and support customers and partners to ensure they realize even greater value from Microsoft’s products and services. My role will be to ensure that this is managed in a cohesive way, and to represent the region at the highest level.”
Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Khaled Al-Dhaher, GM, Microsoft Saudi Arabia, remarked: “It is a great honor to have Ali representing us at such a senior management level. Microsoft has a history of strong performance in the Kingdom and Ali’s appointment, within the new flat organizational structure, will only amplify this. His appointment will increase empowerment, accountability, resource optimization and productivity at a country level and ultimately help us deliver greater value to our customers, partners and communities.”
Faramawy joined Microsoft in 1997 as general manager of Microsoft Egypt, a role he held until 2001, when he assumed additional responsibility for Microsoft’s East Mediterranean business group. In 2002, he was promoted to regional director for MEA, responsible for sales, marketing and services for the region. In 2004, Faramawy was further promoted to regional director Microsoft MEA and vice president Europe, Middle East & Africa.