Microsoft announced today that Joacim Damgard takes on the position of Area Vice President and leader of Microsoft in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) focused on helping people, businesses and governments across 33 countries take full advantage of digitization.
Joacim steps into his new leadership position from his current role as Vice President responsible for Sales, Marketing, Operations, Partners and Services across Microsoft’s Central and Eastern Europe. He joined Microsoft 6 years ago as the Country Manager for Sweden, following a successful career in the IT and telecommunications industry. Starting today, Joacim is taking over as Area Vice President, CEE, from Philippe Rogge who will transition out of the role and pursue a career outside of Microsoft. In his new capacity, Joacim will report to the Microsoft EMEA President Ralph Haupter.
Ralph Haupter said: “Joacim has played a pivotal leadership role in the transformation of CEE over the past few years. He has been a strong attractor of talents to the company – and to the area – and brings a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles. I am very much looking forward to seeing how Joacim and his leadership team will continue to help our customers and partners in CEE drive the digital transformation for organizations large and small.”
Speaking about his appointment, Joacim Damgard said: “We are experiencing a strong cloud momentum across organizations of all sizes and industries in Central and Eastern Europe and I am thrilled to work with our partners and stakeholders to help mainstream the digital opportunity for the benefit of everyone in the region. We call CEE the digital heartbeat of Europe as it has incredible digital talent that is ready – and eager – to further accelerate digitization, create new opportunities, respond to challenges, innovate and grow.”
Recent Microsoft research showed that the more digitally advanced countries are, the greener, more productive, innovative and competitive their business and societies are. It also showed that the public sector plays an important role as catalyst in stimulating digital innovation and progress. In many areas, the CEE is already leading the way – for example Malta and Estonia have been ranked as #1 and #2 in Europe for eGovernment by the European Commission.
