Rose left the operator in April and will replace Michel Van der Bel from November 1
Former Vodafone UK consumer director Cindy Rose will become Microsoft’s new UK CEO from November, the tech giant has announced.
Rose stepped down from her role with the operator in April, having joined in October 2013 from Virgin Media, and officially starts at Microsoft from today (July 1).
She will take over the top job at Microsoft UK from Michel Van der Bel, who will remain at the company in a new role that has not yet been announced.
Her responsibilities will include overseeing all of Microsoft’s products, services and support offerings across the UK.
Rose said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Microsoft and to be asked to lead the UK business at such an opportune moment in the company’s history and such an unprecedented moment in the country’s history.
“I’m excited by the possibilities of our mission: to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more and look forward to working closely with our customers, partners and employees to do just that.”
MS in transition
Rose’s previous roles include her three year stint at Vodafone and, prior to that, she was executive director for digital entertainment at Virgin Media. She also spent time as EMEA MD at Disney Interactive Media Group.
She joins Microsoft as the UK business enters a period of transition, which has included cutting more than three quarters of its UK handset staff, as exclusively revealed by Mobile News.
Commenting on Rose’s appointment, Microsoft International president Jean-Philippe Courtois said: “Cindy brings a real strength in driving complex, customer-focused businesses and a deep understanding of the digital space.
“As we continue to transform as an organisation and support our customers’ digital transformation, Cindy’s experience will be invaluable.”
Bel has rang for MS UK boss
Microsoft UK said Van Der Bel will remain with the company, taking on an unspecified role in November. In the meantime, he will work with Rose in a transitional period.
It will bring a close to his four year stint as CEO at Microsoft’s UK division. He used Twitter to congratulate his replacement.
“Really excited to congratulate Cindy Rose on joining Microsoft UK where she will officially takeover from me on Nov 1st as UK CEO,” the 18-year Microsoft veteran tweeted.
