Darren Hardman appointed new CEO of Microsoft UK

Hardman will replace Microsoft vet Clare Barclay as head of the company

After four years as CEO, Clare Barclay passes the torch to Darren Hardman as he becomes the new head of Microsoft UK.

Hardman joined Microsoft in 2023 as corporate VP EMEA, after working as CEO of AWS UK & Ireland and president of Avanade EMEA.

He has since stood out for his industry centric approach to AI, as well as for building partnerships across enterprise and start-up customers in EMEA.

Hardman has been selected for his understanding of the UK market, as well as for his commitment to innovation and AI.

Barclay will remain at Microsoft UK as president, enterprise & industry, EMEA.

During her tenure as CEO of Microsoft UK, she has enabled customers and partners to transform through a significant period of technological change.

She has also built many industry partnerships throughout the years, including with the London Stock Exchange Group, Vodafone, Sainsbury’s, and has most recently signed a five-year agreement with the UK government.

Barclay joined the vendor in 1998 as channel sales & marketing manager and has worked her way up to the top in less than 30 years.

Barclay will now be responsible for driving industry innovation and growth with customers, digital innovators, startups and partners across EMEA.

“With this strategic leadership transition, we will bring the best of our industry and AI execution to our UK and EMEA customers,” said Ralph Hunter, president of EMEA at Microsoft.

Hardman will assume his new role on November 1st.