And announces leadership transition

Sep 19, 2007 07:45 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft first set foot in China back in 1992, and the company has come a long way since. The Chinese soil proved nothing but fertile and Microsoft's presence in the region grew stronger and stronger until is has become a main pillar at a worldwide level. The company emphasized that in terms of sales and revenue in the past five years, the Greater China Region is an apex, outperforming all other results on markets around the world. Still, this month marks the loss of the head of Microsoft China. Timothy Chen has resigned as head of Microsoft Greater China Region, and the company is now looking for his successor.

"We wish to thank Tim for his contribution and service, and to wish him well in his future endeavors," said Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International. "With the Microsoft Greater China leadership team, Tim helped achieve unprecedented business growth and also helped the company further its commitment to enabling sustainable social and economic development for people around the world. I'm confident that the solid foundation we've laid will not only help us continue our business success in the market, but will also further our collaboration with customers, partners and government."

But although the leadership transition takes into consideration the resources Microsoft has at a global level, it is most likely that the next Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Greater China Region will also be Chinese. However, in the interim, Ya-Qin Zhang, Corporate Vice President and Chairman of Microsoft's China Research & Development Group have taken together the role of CEO in order to continue leading Microsoft's business in the Greater China Region.

"Zhang, who will retain his current duties overseeing an organization of 1,500 employees, will be supported by the Microsoft GCR leadership team, a group representing decades of industry leadership experience. Zhang will also work closely with Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International, to ensure a smooth transition. Chen will assume a new leadership role outside of the IT industry", Microsoft informed.

The company accounts for no less than 15 locations in China, and a workforce of in excess of 3,200 employees. Microsoft is in no way shy of applauding its commitment to the fastest growing economy worldwide. The company plans to invest over $100 million in Chinese software companies until 2011. But in addition, 80,000 Chinese will receive IT training, with Microsoft offering another $100 million for software and services development.

"Under the leadership of Ya-Qin Zhang, Microsoft's China Research & Development Group has become one of Microsoft's most important sources of innovation, and is the company's fastest growing R&D center outside of the United States. In April 2007, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced the construction of two new CRD campuses in Beijing and Shanghai. Upon completion, the new locations will not only provide capacity for current and future staff, but also offer shared facilities for Microsoft's partners and customers," Microsoft added.