Monday, 14th of January 2019 saw quite a turn of events as Zoaib Hoosen, the Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa resigned from his position and it was announced that he would be replaced by Lillian Barnard. Not much is known about the reason Hoosen would step down after almost 5 years in the capacity.
His replacement, Barnard also packs an arsenal of experience. She has worked over 20 years in ICT, holding the position of Chief Sales Officer at Vodacom and also, 7 years at the European Headquaters of IBM where she held numerous important positions.
Currently, she is the Director for the Public Sector at Microsoft South Africa and has done exceptionally well in her position. In fact, ‘Ideal Successor’ was an interesting phrase used in the statement.
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“Her development and impact as a leader, as a spokesperson, as a technologist and as a seller within Microsoft have positioned her as an ideal successor capable of leading Microsoft South Africa into its next exciting chapter,”
The statement further read “During her tenure at Microsoft, Barnard has pulled together a strong public sector team that has delivered innovative digital solutions and helped digitally transform the South African government,”.
It continued “She has also been pivotal in re-igniting the South African chapter of Women@Microsoft and spurring a culture that embraces gender equality in the workplace.”
She is the first ever woman to be appointed at this position and she will assume her role on the 1st of March.