Citrix dials up Vodafone boss to run UK

Michelle Senecal de Fonseca steps in following departure of Jacqueline de Rojas

Software vendor Citrix has picked former Vodafone executive Michelle Senecal de Fonseca to run its UK business, following the recent departure of Jacqueline de Rojas to Sage.

Citrix referenced de Fonseca's expertise in cloud services as it announced her arrival in the role of area vice president of northern Europe, comprising the UK, Ireland and the Nordics.

She was previously global managing director for Vodafone Cloud and Hosting Services, and has also worked at Cable and Wireless and NextiraOne during her 25-year career in the industry.

Although Citrix's global sales grew three per cent year on year to $841m in Q3, its EMEA business shrank by four per cent to $199.8m.

In a statement, de Fonseca (pictured), who will assume the role on 4 January, claimed it is an "exciting time to join Citrix as it places greater emphasis on cloud services".

Sherif Seddik, vice president of sales and services, EMEA at Citrix, added: "Michelle's experience and expertise will provide invaluable support and insight for many of our customers in Northern Europe as they embark on their cloud journey.

"Adopting cloud technologies in the enterprise is much more complex than just downloading an app. Companies have to rationalise all of their past, present, and future investments and tie them together seamlessly as they progress toward the cloud future. I am excited and confident in Michelle's ability to drive the business forward and help Citrix achieve its cloud-centric future."