Microsoft has appointed Nick Walton as Managing Director for New Zealand, commencing 7 September 2026.
Walton returns to Microsoft after leading Slalom in New Zealand, building its local business and most recently partnering with many of the country’s largest organisations on their data and AI transformation journeys. He previously held sales leadership roles at Microsoft, and brings extensive leadership experience across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia in AI, cloud, and consulting.
Jane Livesey, President, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said: “Aotearoa has a rare opportunity to lead with confidence in the AI era. We have ambitious customers, a trusted partner ecosystem, deep local ingenuity, and the digital infrastructure to support the next wave of growth. Nick brings a customer-first mindset, a passion for building great teams and the practical, people-centred leadership needed to help New Zealand organisations turn AI ambition into real impact. I’m delighted to welcome him back to Microsoft.”
Walton said: “Customers across Aotearoa are thinking boldly about how AI can help them lift productivity, rethink services, and create new value, while staying grounded in trust, security, and outcomes. New Zealand has always been innovative, creative, and resourceful, and this next chapter will reward organisations that move with ambition and care. That is why I’m excited to return to Microsoft, a company with the technology, partner ecosystem, and local commitment to help customers realise that opportunity.”
Steven Miller has served as interim leader for New Zealand since March 2026 and will work closely with Walton to support a smooth transition. Miller has since been appointed as Microsoft’s Head of Public Sector for Asia.
Microsoft has been committed to New Zealand for more than 30 years. The company opened New Zealand’s first hyperscale cloud region in Auckland in 2024, with three availability zones, 100 percent carbon-free electricity and a commitment to be water positive. Microsoft has also committed to support a further 200,000 Kiwis to build workforce-ready AI skills by 2028.
According to EY-Parthenon, Microsoft contributed NZ$9.4 billion to New Zealand’s economy in FY25, supported 54,300 FTE jobs, and works with more than 1,800 partners and 430,000 customers across New Zealand.