Former partner boss Barclay handed Microsoft UK top job

Clare Barclay to succeed Cindy Rose on 1 October

Former Microsoft UK partner chief Clare Barclay has been handed the keys to Microsoft's overall UK business.

Barclay will become CEO of Microsoft UK on 1 October 2020, succeding Cindy Rose, who will become president for Microsoft's business across Western Europe on the same day.

Barclay has for the last three years been UK COO, but between 2013 and 2017 bossed Microsoft's UK channel as general manager of small, midmarket solutions & partners.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Microsoft in the UK and to take forward the success Cindy has delivered and the cultural transformation she has led over the last four years. This year has not only challenged us, it has also shown how technology can help us all thrive and adapt. I am looking forward to leading our amazing UK team in helping everyone in the UK to achieve more," Barclay said in a statement.

"I am privileged and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Microsoft Western Europe and I will miss terribly our fantastic team here in the UK, along with our UK customers and partners with whom we have shared such great success," added Rose. "I have no doubt that under Clare's dynamic and experienced leadership the best is yet to come for Microsoft UK."

Commenting on Barclay's appointment, Ralph Haupter, President EMEA at Microsoft, said: "Globally, the UK is one of the most cloud-forward countries with customers who often lead in their adoption and use of new technologies. I could not be more delighted that Clare is stepping up to lead Microsoft in the UK. She brings deep insight to our customers' and partners' needs as well as exceptional leadership qualities, having repeatedly built high-performing teams across Microsoft. As we look to the next phase of Microsoft's success in the UK, Clare's experience and leadership will be invaluable.