Microsoft hires top edtech leader Ian Fordham to lead UK education team

Microsoft has hired one of the UK’s top education technology leaders to lead its work in the sector.

Ian Fordham, currently CEO of Edtech UK and a Mayor of London Tech Ambassador, will join the company in January as Director of Education. He will oversee Microsoft’s work involving schools, colleges, universities and other learning organisations.

Fordham is chief executive of Edtech UK, Britain’s strategic body for the education and learning technology sector, and is co-founder of The Education Foundation, the UK’s leading cross-sector education think tank. He is also a Mayor of London Technology Ambassador. He has held positions across the education and not-for-profit sector, including Deputy Director of the British Council for School Environments, Head of Policy at ContinYou, Head of Training and Development at Education Extra and is a former secondary school teacher.

“This is an exciting time to join Microsoft,” Fordham said. “The company’s innovation and agility will allow it to deliver solutions that matter to Britain’s education system – across schools, colleges and universities.

“Microsoft can lead the way in using technology to support learning across the sector, and I’m looking forward to working with educational institutions and leaders to empower every learner to achieve more.”

After joining Microsoft, Fordham will continue his role as a Mayor of London Tech Ambassador and join the advisory board of Edtech UK.

Derrick McCourt, General Manager for the UK Public Sector at Microsoft UK, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ian to the role of Director of Education, where he will drive the momentum of our thriving UK education practice. With his wealth of experience and invaluable knowledge, Ian is well-placed to build upon our efforts within this sector and continue his pioneering work in technology to enable the future of learning in our country.”

Ty Goddard, Co-founder of The Education Foundation, added: “The appointment of Ian as Director of Education for Microsoft is testimony to his work and passion for education across the sectors. I am also delighted that Ian will join the advisory board of Edtech UK and continue his pioneering work supporting education start-up businesses and entrepreneurs across Britain and beyond.”