Microsoft’s VP arrives, begins working visit

Remmy Nweke

The Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Corporation, Mr. Neil Holloway, would this week arrive Nigeria for a working visit.

Mr. Holloway, who also is the President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), would use the working visit to introduce the newly appointed Chairman of Microsoft for Africa, Dr Cheick Diarra who is joining Microsoft from the United Nations (UN) to the Nigerian market.

He would equally pay a courtesy call to the Presidency and meet with the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu.

In addition, he would address a forum of Information Technology (IT) stakeholders in Abuja, tomorrow, Thursday, as well as, use the opportunity to announce Microsoft’s introduction of Windows XP Starter Edition for the continent.

Mr. Holloway in his capacity, leads Microsoft Corporation’s businesses throughout EMEA, and is a member of the worldwide Sales, Marketing and Services Group (SMSG) leadership team and the worldwide Consumer Leadership Team (CLT).

He focuses on the balanced objectives of driving customer satisfaction, improving integration across Microsoft business units, addressing the unique technology needs of diverse markets and growing the software business in the region.

Before assuming his role in 2005, Mr. Holloway had served as Corporate Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Services for EMEA, and has extensive field expertise establishing programmes that directly address customer and partner needs in the region.

His role include leading the business planning processes, enhancing field effectiveness and managing Microsoft’s sales and marketing efforts throughout the EMEA region.

Since joining Microsoft in 1990, Holloway has held a number of strategic roles in its UK subsidiary. He was appointed Managing Director of Microsoft Limited in July 1998 and subsequently the Vice President for Microsoft EMEA in April 2000.

Hitherto, Holloway was the Managing Director of Migent United Kingdom (UK), a company operating in the consumer and client server software markets sector.

He is passionate about demonstrating responsible leadership and delivering the highest level of customer experience.

Mr. Holloway has a Master’s of Philosophy in operational research and control engineering from Cambridge University and a first degree in Mathematics from Bath.