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Rose joins Microsoft UK July 1, 2016 and takes over UK leadership effective November 1, 2016 from Michel Van der Bel

Microsoft Appoints Cindy Rose as Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK

Microsoft has announced that Cindy Rose has joined Microsoft UK and will take over as Chief Executive Officer on November 1 from Michel Van der Bel, who will move into a new role to be announced at a future date. Rose joins from Vodafone UK, where she was Managing Director of the Consumer Division.

Rose will be responsible for all of Microsoft’s product, service and support offerings across the United Kingdom, continuing the company’s transformation into the leading productivity and platform company for the mobile-first, cloud-first era.

Commenting on Rose’s appointment, Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International, said: “I am truly delighted to announce that Cindy is joining Microsoft UK. She 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 organization and support our customers’ digital transformation, Cindy’s experience will be invaluable.”

REDMOND, WASHINGTON - JULY 17: The Visitor's Center at Microsoft Headquarters campus is pictured July 17, 2014 in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced, July 17, that Microsoft will cut 18,000 jobs, the largest layoff in the company's history. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

Courtois continued: “I would also like to pay tribute to Michel Van der Bel, who has been an inspiring leader of Microsoft UK over the past four years. I’ve worked closely with Michel over this period and know just how he embodies our company’s values. He can be justifiably proud of the organization he has led and I look forward to announcing his next role in the near future. Over the next few months Michel will work alongside Cindy, to ensure we have a smooth transition of leadership and continue to drive our business forwards.”

Rose has served in a variety of regional roles throughout her career. Most recently she was Managing Director of the Vodafone UK Consumer Division. Prior to this, she was Executive Director for Digital Entertainment at Virgin Media and Senior Vice-President & Managing Director, EMEA at Disney Interactive Media Group. She also held the positions of Senior Vice-President & Regional Managing Director (UK, Ireland, Southern Europe & Middle East) and Vice President, Legal & Government Relations at The Walt Disney Company.

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.”

While Rose joins Microsoft on July 1, Van der Bel will continue to have full responsibility of the business until November 1, when Rose will officially take over.