Tokyo, Japan, January 9 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the promotion of Michael Rawding to Vice President, Asia Region. Rawding will replace Pieter Knook who will be leading a new Redmond-based worldwide sales organization focused on Network Service Providers including telecommunications, wireless and data carriers and network equipment providers.
Rawding will be based in Tokyo and manage Microsoft’s Asia operations with 12 subsidiaries in Asia including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, PRC, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and India.
“Over the past three and a half years Pieter Knook has doubled our business in the region and led Asia to become Microsoft’s fastest growing market worldwide,” said Orlando Ayala, Group Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Services Group Microsoft Corporation. “The region continues to have incredible potential and Michael’s in depth knowledge of Greater China and his command of Mandarin will ensure we continue doing a great job of meeting the demands of customers and growing the industry.”
“Michael has demonstrated the leadership that Asia requires and has had a big impact in Greater China, with China as Asia’s fastest growing subsidiary showing increases of 80% last year. He has successfully developed the people and business of Greater China which has lead to our business expanding in the mature markets of Taiwan and Hong Kong even with uncertain economies,”
Orlando Ayala said.
Alexander Huang has been promoted to Rawding’s previous role as Regional Director of Greater China. Huang, who will be based in Beijing, will be responsible for all of Microsoft’s activities in the People’s Republic of China, including the Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan.
“Alex’s knowledge of the Chinese technology market as well as his in depth understanding of our customer and partner needs makes him ideal to drive our continued growth in Greater China,”
Michael Rawding said.
“As the information technology infrastructure develops in the region and the move to protect intellectual property accelerates, we are poised to grow even faster in Greater China.”
Eunice Chiou will replace Huang as General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan.
“We have a dedicated and talented team of people across the region and superb products for the local markets,
“Michael Rawding said.”
The opportunities are virtually limitless as the market for software grows in Asia.
“
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
#########
Microsoft and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
