Ola Williams takes over as new Microsoft Nigeria country manager

Ola Williams takes over as new Microsoft Nigeria country manager

Ola Williams country manager
Ola, first from left – with female Software Engineers admitted into Microsoft LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program in Nigeria

Ola ‘Olatomiwa‘ Williams assumes the new role of Microsoft country manager for Nigeria. Formerly serving as the Director of Microsoft Cloud and Digital Transformation Solutions for Microsoft’s Multi-Country Cluster region. She will now lead the organization’s efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s Digital transformation and cloud adoption. As well as identify new opportunities, mobilize internal organization resources and external stakeholders.

Ola shares “It’s a great honour to be taking on this exciting journey. At a time when the organisation is focused on growing and accelerating Africa’s transformation. I am very optimistic of where Africa is headed and how we have a unique opportunity to use technology to really transform the lives and businesses in this region.” she adds.

Ola joined Microsoft in 2010 as the Enterprise Voice Technology Specialist. She has since held various positions including Partner Technology Manager, Dynamics Partner Sales Executive and Account Technology Strategist. Ola has over 21 years of Information technology experience which spans through Solution implimentation, Solution Sales and Channels Management.

We must burst all stereotypes that link science to masculinity and encourage girls to embrace Science & Technology’

Ola WIlliams

New Microsoft Nigeria country manager, Ola Williams, takes over the role previously held by Akin Banuso. Akin will take on the new role of Enterprise Commercial Lead for Middle East and Africa Multi market region. It is not yet clear if Ola’s responsibilities will also include being country manager of Ghana.

“I’m proud of the significant contributions Akin has put in to accelerate the transformation journey of our customers in Nigeria.
I’m thrilled that Ola will bring her unique expertise to take the country to new heights and also play a part in the larger leadership team to design how we address Africa’s business landscape.”

Microsoft’s Middle East and Africa – Multi market region’s General Manager, Ibrahim Youssry,
[jetpack_subscription_form subscribe_placeholder=”Enter your email address” show_subscribers_total=”false” button_on_newline=”false” submit_button_text=”Hi,
sign up so you can get the latest
in breaking news, reviews,
opinions, events,
opportunities and
community updates right
in your inbox. ” custom_font_size=”16px” custom_border_radius=”0″ custom_border_weight=”1″ custom_padding=”15″ custom_spacing=”10″ submit_button_classes=”” email_field_classes=”” show_only_email_and_button=”true”]

Check out other stories making the news in the technology ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East.

My ambition is to help adopt and accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation agenda – Kendi Nderitu

My ambition is to help adopt and accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation agenda – Kendi Nderitu

Kendi Nderitu Microsoft Kenya country manager

Kendi Nderitu, Microsoft Country Manager for Kenya says “My ambition is to collaborate with the public and private sector to help adopt and accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation agenda”.

Kendi Ntwiga-Nderitu shared this ambition speaking to Nation Africa in an interview on her career journey. She notes her career journey’s ups and downs have been rewarding.

The interview touches on her life, childhood, family life, education, career and current role at Microsoft Kenya. It also talks about lessons and advice to the youth in Kenya. Below are some excerpts. Click the link to read the full interview.

Kendi talks about growing up in Embu county before moving upcountry. She studied computer science then decided to pursue International Business Management as she wanted to lead a business in the tech industry.

She also advises girls to “Show up as a person first and deliver at that level“.

I have failed many times, but more importantly, this has taught me to have an open mind and to be agile enough to promptly re-group if plan A does not work.

Kendi Nderitu

[jetpack_subscription_form show_subscribers_total=”false” button_on_newline=”false” submit_button_text=”Hi, sign up
so you can get the latest
in breaking news,
reviews, opinions, events,
opportunities and
community updates
right in your inbox.” custom_font_size=”16″ custom_border_radius=”0″ custom_border_weight=”1″ custom_padding=”15″ custom_spacing=”10″ submit_button_classes=”” email_field_classes=”” show_only_email_and_button=”true”]

Check out other stories making the news across Africa and Middle East region.

Jaime Galviz, Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Director of Operations and Marketing appointed General Manager in Colombia

Jaime Galviz, Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Director of Operations and Marketing appointed General Manager in Colombia

Microsoft’s Director of Operations and Marketing for the Middle East and Africa, Jaime Galviz, is taking up a new role in the company. He is now going to head the company’s operations in Colombia.

Starting July 1st Jamie will steer affairs as General Manager for Microsoft in Colombia.

“It is a pleasure and honor to be back home and join our talented team in Colombia. To continue Microsoft’s mission to empower organizations and individuals to achieve more.
Our country has enormous potential and at this critical moment, our work in partnership with our partners, government, educational entities and the private sector is even more important to drive and sustain digital transformation in our key industries, foster our great local talent and strengthen Microsoft’s commitment to environmental sustainability.” 

He spent about eight year in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in various roles. First serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft Gulf. Then moving on to become the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for the MEA region.

[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Hi, Kindly subscribe to get the latest from the Microsoft and technology ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]

Check out other posts from the region.

Microsoft announces Surface Business Group Director MEA, Mirna Arif, as new Country Manager in Egypt

Microsoft announces Surface Business Group Director MEA, Mirna Arif, as new Country Manager in Egypt

Mirna Arif Microsoft Egypt

Microsoft announces the appointment of Mirna Arif as the Country Manager to spearhead its operations in Egypt.

In her new role, Mirna will oversee Microsoft’s efforts in the country to empower public and private organizations. To accelerate their digital transformation agendas and better engage customers, empower employees, optimize operations and transform business models.

Mirna Arif brings over 18 years of experience. Spanning multinational organizations and public sector entities across Middle East and Africa (MEA). She joined Microsoft in 2019 as MEA Business Group Director. Tasked with leading the strategy and execution of the company’s Surface portfolio in the region.

Our mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. I’m thrilled to further this mission as we continue to expand Microsoft’s footprint in Egypt. And unlock its growth potential,” she said.

The Egypt Vision 2030: Sustainable Development Strategy represents a foothold on the way towards achieving inclusive development– and technology sits at the heart of this. I look forward to working closely with our customers and partners to accelerate the country’s digital transformation journey and contribute to its competitiveness.”

Prior to joining Microsoft, Mirna spent several years in important roles for organizations. Including, Schlumberger, the Ministry of Petroleum in Egypt, Emerson, and Baker Hughes GE.

She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in marketing and operations. And a Bachelor’s in computer science, from the American University in Cairo.

[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Hi, subscribe to stay up to date on the trending news, offers and opportunities fro the Microsoft and Tech ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]

Check out more stories from MCGH

Kendi Ntwiga – Nderitu, “She Goes Tech” founder is new Microsoft Country Manager for Kenya

Kendi Ntwiga – Nderitu, “She Goes Tech” founder is new Microsoft Country Manager for Kenya

Kendi Ntwiga – Nderitu is new Microsoft Country Manager for Kenya.

Microsoft country manager

Microsoft announces the appoint of Kendi Ntwiga – Nderitu as head of its operations in Kenya. Kendi, is tasked with developing and maintaining effective relationships across Microsoft’s subsidiaries, regional sales and marketing departments. As Microsoft Country Manager she will also have to increase Microsoft’s share of voice in the country.

I am excited to join Microsoft at a time when digitization is seen as a key driver of progress and transformation in Africa. Kendi Ntwiga notes on her appointment. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more and I feel privileged to be the custodian of that mission in Kenya,” she continues.

Kendi is an IT business leader with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. The founder of She Goes Tech. Former General Manager of the East, West and Central Africa cluster for Check Point Software. She has also led and implemented business strategies across sub-Saharan Africa in roles at Oracle, HP and Intel.

We are extremely excited to have Kendi join our dynamic team“. Shares Ibrahim Youssry, Microsoft Regional General Manager Middle East & Africa Multi-Cluster Country, welcoming Kendi. Ibrahim says “we are confident her extensive experience will go a long way in contributing to our overall mission. Of helping the continent on its digital transformation journey, while also driving greater diversity and inclusion across STEM fields.

Don't forget you can still participate in the Microsoft Middle East and Africa Cloud Society contest. And Win a return air ticket to Cape Town, South Africa. 
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to our breaking news feed and recieve the latest in news, conferences, events, internships, job offers, other opportunities, etc. from the Microsoft ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East.” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]