Microsoft names new General Manager for North Gulf

Abu-Ltaif takes over the reins from Ali Dalloul, who was promoted last year to the position of General Manager of Business Operations for Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Abu-Ltaif will be responsible for driving the overall strategic development of Microsoft business in the North Gulf region, and will focus on continuing the growth of Microsoft operations, strengthening strategic customer and partner relationships, and expanding Microsoft role as a technology enabler and a contributor to the industry growth in line with Microsoft global vision.

Abu-Ltaif brings with him more than 14 years of collective experience in the fields of enterprise IT solutions and business management in the enterprise IT industry in the Gulf region, having held a number of senior positions within NCR Corporation, one of the leading IT solution providers in the world. His last position prior to moving from NCR to Microsoft was Regional Manager - Financial Solutions Group, Gulf & Pakistan region. Earlier he was the Regional Manager of Financial Services Group for Upper Gulf & Pakistan. Few years before that, Abu-Ltaif was promoted from his role as Sales Manager at AT&T/NCR Kuwait to become General Manager for NCR Bahrain.

Having worked in Kuwait from 1989 to 1996, Abu-Ltaif was one of the key contributors to the re-establishment of the NCR Corporation branch office in Kuwait following the Gulf War in 1990. A consistent achiever, Abu-Ltaif has bagged 13 Century Point Club awards presented annually by NCR Corporation to top achievers during the past 14 years.

Abu-Ltaif is well known in the Gulf IT market, and already has his marks on the Telecommunications, Banking and Governments sectors in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. He was instrumental in introducing and implementing many of the pioneering technology solutions into many large businesses during his years with the company. With this track record of successful projects and excellent customer relationship, Samer's continued to pursue a mission of providing real added value to customers that ensured high level of customer satisfaction.

Speaking about his new position, Abu-Ltaif emphasized: "I am very proud to be given the opportunity to lead one of the most dynamic offices of the largest software manufacturer in the world. It is exciting to see the growth and development this region has seen in the last few years and the tremendous potential it still holds. The opportunities for new initiatives and stronger partnerships are many, and with genuine effort, we have an increased potential to further contribute to the ICT sector and the whole economy in the region. My focus as the new General Manager of Microsoft North Gulf will be on maintaining this growth while adding and contributing to further successes, empowering our customers and partners to realize their business objectives, and delivering increased value for their investment in our products and technologies."

Abu-Ltaif will report directly to Ali Faramawy, Regional Director Middle East and Africa, and Vice-President of Europe, Middle East and Africa region (EMEA).

Welcoming Abu-Ltaif into Microsoft Faramawy said: "We are very pleased to have Samer on board our flagship in the North Gulf region. This region has seen an exponential growth rate since the opening of our Kuwait office in 1999 and our recent expansions into Bahrain and Qatar. Today the North Gulf is one of our strongest regions and continues to show higher potential for growth and development. With Samer's exceptional track record of achievements and his experience in enterprise IT across the different industry sectors, we see a bright future for the North Gulf region under his leadership."