Former Microsoft channel chief snapped up by Johnson Controls

Rodney Clark will join the Ireland headquartered HVAC company on June 1

Microsoft's former channel chief has moved to smart buildings manufacturer Johnson Controls as its new vice president and chief commercial officer.

Rodney Clark will take over the role from Brian Young, who retired at the end of last year, and join the Ireland headquartered HVAC company on June 1.

Clark will lead Johnson Controls global growth strategy to serve customers and partners "through innovative, high-value solutions and service offerings," the business said in a statement.

He will also take on some responsibilities from Michael Ellis, Johnson Controls' executive vice president, chief customer and digital officer, who is retiring at the end of the year.

"I'm delighted to be joining Johnson Controls, they have an incredible team that is driving innovative technology that transforms ordinary buildings into dynamic, healthier, safer spaces for all of us to enjoy," said Clark.

"Adding intelligent cloud and intelligent edge solutions to their traditional offerings creates an enormous opportunity and will help customers address their most critical challenges - including the achievement of sustainability targets with agile, flexible and scalable solutions."

Clark most recently held the role of corporate vice president of global partner sales and channel chief at Microsoft.

There he led a team responsible for customer and partner relationships, accelerating growth through the Microsoft partner ecosystem, as well as cross-partner strategy and outcomes through the partner network.

"I am excited to welcome a proven, strategic leader such as Rodney to Johnson Controls," said George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls.

"As we deliver on growth platforms such as decarbonization in smart, healthy buildings, Rodney will build on our progress, collaborating with customers on outcome-based solutions and service offerings through OpenBlue, while expanding our market, building scale, capacity and capability."

According to a blog post written by Nick Parker, Microsoft corporate vice president of global partner solutions, the technology giant expects to have a new leader in place by the beginning of its new fiscal year in July.

Parker says Clark's departure is part of his long-term career plan, although the timing was sooner than anticipated.

He said: "Rodney's imprint on many of our businesses has been significant and enduring as we continue to transform our entire partner ecosystem to realise new growth with Microsoft Cloud.

"This type of role has been in Rodney's sights as part of his long-term career plan, the timing was sooner than we anticipated.

"We have a deep and talented bench of leaders who are in place to deliver business continuity with our partners and programs without interruption.

"We wish Rodney all the best in his new role and thank him for his 24 years of commitment and impact at Microsoft."