Microsoft has appointed Steven Worrall as managing director for Australia to replace 21-year company veteran Pip Marlow who is leaving to take up a senior executive position with Queensland financial services and insurance group Suncorp.
Worrall joins Microsoft after 22 years with IBM, most recently leading IBM’s Software business for the Asia Pacific region, providing a major source of IBM’s growth in the region. He held a number of marketing, sales and general management roles during his career in the services, software and financing segments of IBM’s business.
Worrall will take up the position at the beginning of January, with Marlow transitioning out by the end of January before joining Suncorp in a newly-created position of chief executive officer, strategic innovation.
Microsoft corporate vice president for Asia, Ralph Haupter said Worrall had a great track record in helping clients take advantage of the business and technological opportunities associated with innovation and business growth.
{loadposition peter}“Being able to choose a leader from within our ranks speaks to the strength of Pip’s leadership and will ensure minimal disruption to the strong momentum delivered by the Microsoft Australia leadership team.”
He said one of Worrall’s primary responsibilities was to build IBM’s organisational capability across diverse markets across the region.
Haupter praised Marlow as an “exceptional leader” who will be greatly missed.
“Her strong leadership, passion and determination to continually improve Microsoft for our customers, partners, employees and the wider community has been truly inspirational. She has made a tremendous contribution and impact.”
Haupter said during her time as managing director, Marlow has launched two cloud datacentre regions in Australia and opened the doors to Microsoft’s first flagship store outside of North America. “She has advocated for greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace, championed the need for STEM education and was recognised as one of the Australian Financial Review’s Women of Influence.”
On his appointment, Worrall: said, “I am delighted to step into the role of managing director and have the opportunity to continue to work with the excellent leadership team we have in Australia. Pip has been a tremendous leader and the strength of our leadership team is a testament to Pip’s stewardship over the last six years.
“This is a unique time for our business and I look forward to playing my part and leading our team to deliver outstanding technology solutions and partnerships with our customers, partners, employees and communities.”