Microsoft has appointed Abideen Yusuf as the General Manager of Nigeria and Ghana’s operations. Yusuf revealed this development in a statement on Thursday.
Yusuf will succeed Olatomiwa Williams, who was appointed Chief Growth & AI Officer for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets after serving as the General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana for four years.
He stated, “I am pleased to announce my appointment as General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana within the newly established Multi Country Cluster (MCC) region, a key growth market in the Middle East and Africa.”
“As artificial intelligence continues to transform the business landscape, it is an honour to lead our talented team and collaborate with valued customers and partners to drive the future of AI, aligned with Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organisation to achieve more,” he emphasised.
Yusuf hopes to build ties with local communities and clients
Yusuf is looking forward to strengthening his team’s ties to local communities, developing the next generation of leaders, and supporting projects that promote progress in Nigeria and, consequently, the MCC.
He emphasised his commitment to working together to create a future characterised by cooperation, resiliency, and mutual success.
Building on this momentum, Yusuf emphasised that he can’t wait to use his team’s combined knowledge and enthusiasm to seize new opportunities in the quickly changing digital landscape. He reaffirmed his dedication to inclusive growth and moral innovation.
Yusuf expresses his commitment to fostering an environment that encourages innovation, grants his team greater authority, and yields noteworthy outcomes that drive sustained growth for the communities and clients.
Olatomiwa Williams reflects on her journey as Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana’s GM
Reflecting on her journey, the outgoing GM said, “ I am filled with immense gratitude and deep pride for the remarkable impact, opportunities, and successes we have achieved together. The dedication, commitment, and partnership of the entire team, especially in Nigeria and Ghana, have been the true backbone and cornerstone of our shared success. Your unwavering support and relentless drive have inspired me every day, making this chapter profoundly rewarding and transformative.”
Williams noted that leading the team has been a unique experience, shaped by innovation, resilience, and a collective commitment to empowering every person and organisation to achieve more.
Williams is grateful for the encouragement, teamwork, and spirit that have characterised her time together and enabled her successes with the Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana teams. By working together, she emphasised that they have expanded tremendously, made a lasting difference, and established a tradition of creativity and cooperation throughout Ghana and Nigeria.
Announcing Abideen Yusuf as the new GM, she said, “I am delighted to announce that Abideen Yusuf will be stepping into the role of Country Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana. Deen has been an integral part of our team’s success, and I am confident that under his leadership, the business will continue to thrive and reach new heights. Deen’s vision, passion, dedication, and deep understanding of our mission makes him the perfect choice to carry the torch forward. Please join me to congratulate Deen and extend your support to him as this next chapter unfolds.”
Williams stated that she looks forward to working with Mirna Arif and the larger Growth Country teams in the Middle East and Africa to promote development and constructive influence throughout the region.
Abideen Yusuf expresses gratitude
Yusuf appreciates Olatomiwa Williams, whose vision and leadership have greatly aided Microsoft’s accomplishments in Nigeria and Ghana, and Lillian Barnard’s outstanding leadership as President of Microsoft Africa.
Yusuf wishes her well in her new position as Chief Growth & AI Officer for the MCC region. “Your mentorship has been invaluable,” he noted.
He further appreciated the newly appointed General Manager for Middle East and Africa, Mirna Arif; President for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Naim Yazbeck; and President for Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa.
He said, “My thanks also go to Mirna Arif, Chrysafidis Evangelos, Naim Yazbeck & Samer Abu-Ltaif for their trust and opportunity to serve; I look forward to working closely with everyone as we guide the region forward.”
Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, under Yusuf’s leadership, hope to collaborate to strengthen the company’s foundation while promoting excellence, diversity, and teamwork as they take on the opportunities and challenges in the dynamic region.
In its aggressive leadership change, Microsoft announced some key appointments this month: Naim Yazbeck was appointed to the position of President for Microsoft Middle East and Africa (MEA); Amr Kamel succeeds Yazbeck as General Manager of Microsoft UAE, Mirna Arif was appointed as the General Manager for Middle East and Africa, and Ahmad El Dandachi was appointed as General Manager, Qatar; and Lana Khalaf transition to Public Sector Lead for Microsoft Middle East and Africa.