Microsoft announced today that Michelle Simmons will take over as the General Manager of Multi-Country* subsidiary, overseeing operations for 24 countries within the region of Central & Eastern Europe (CEE). Former leader of Microsoft’s Marketing & Operations function for all of CEE, Michelle takes over the role recently vacated by Anke den Ouden who is now leading Microsoft Netherlands. Michelle takes over her new role effective at 1. April.
Bringing substantial knowledge and industry experience to the role, Michelle has been with Microsoft for over twenty years, in a number of roles across CEE, Asia and the USA. During that time, she has been responsible for driving strategic growth across multiple markets, as well as building partner and customer relationships. During her stint as General Manager of Southeast Asia New Markets, Michelle led Microsoft’s business across 9 countries that make up some of Asia Pacific’s fastest growing markets, focusing on modernizing economies and companies through digital transformation.
In her most recent role as M&O lead, Michelle was responsible for leading business strategy, product revenue, marketing, and operations to enable customer and partners’ digital transformation across the 33 countries making up Microsoft’s Central & Eastern Europe business.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Microsoft’s diverse CEE Multi-Country region. The potential for technology to enable businesses and governments to innovate and transform has never been greater, and I look forward to working with our partners and customers to deliver this value to the region,” said Michelle Simmons.
In her new role, Michelle will be responsible for further advancing Microsoft’s vision of helping the region build on its strong technical talent to thrive as digital hotspot, a place where people, businesses and communities are empowered to prosper and grow through digital innovation and with global ambitions. Together with her team, she will work with local customers, partners, entrepreneurs, enterprises and public sector organizations to digitally transform and innovate using cloud technologies, as well as to propel digital skilling to help create opportunities for all.
Speaking about the appointment Microsoft’s President for CEE, Philippe Rogge, said: “Michelle’s mix of strategic and commercial experience makes her the perfect choice to lead our team in a market that is as fascinating as it is varied. She is a tenacious, dedicated and empathetic leader, with the skills and expertise to bring the best of Microsoft to drive an in-market transformation towards wealthier, greener and more competitive economies in the region.”