Middle East & Africa region represented in Microsoft's most senior leadership team

Microsoft International is responsible for all sales, marketing and services activities for the regions outside of North America. Faramawy will report directly to Jean-Philippe Courtois, president Microsoft International, senior vice president Microsoft Corporation.

"Middle East and Africa represents one of Microsoft's fastest growing, most dynamic and diverse markets. We have eight Microsoft subsidiaries and 30 offices in the region, which encompasses more than 70 countries across three continents. Ali has been instrumental in the growth and success of our business here," said Jean-Philippe Courtois, president Microsoft International, senior vice president Microsoft Corporation. "His joining the Microsoft International management team reflects the growth and opportunity that Microsoft sees in the MEA region, and ensures that MEA is represented in our management structure."

"MEA is a diverse and expanding region encompassing both developed and emerging economies," said Ali Faramawy. "Microsoft recognizes this diversity and wants to empower its subsidiary and sales office teams to even better connect and support customers and partners to ensure they realize even greater value from Microsoft's products and services. My role will be to ensure that this is managed in a cohesive way, and to represent the region at the highest level."

He added, "We continue to have a long-term commitment to the growth and development of this region and I am excited by the opportunity to further contribute to its success."

Ali Faramawy joined Microsoft in 1997 as general manager of Microsoft Egypt, a role he held until 2001, when he assumed additional responsibility for Microsoft's East Mediterranean business group, including Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Malta. In 2002, he was promoted to regional director for MEA, responsible for sales, marketing and services for the region. In 2004, Faramawy was further promoted to regional director Microsoft MEA and vice president Europe, Middle East & Africa, a position he held until today's announcement.