Microsoft has new UK head of government

Microsoft has merged two parts of its business focused on the public sector and appointed a director of government to oversee the company's focus on areas such as criminal justice and defence.

Graham Harrop, with Microsoft for more than 23 years, will take on the director of government role and be responsible for bringing together the local and regional government sectors within the company's public sector organisation.

Harrop will also have responsibility for the criminal justice, defence and central government sectors within Microsoft in one department. "This will enable Microsoft to better support the delivery of joined-up services for citizens as envisaged in the transformational government agenda," the company said in a statement.

Harrop will be focused on, "how Microsoft can help government customers get more from their investment in our technologies", the company stated.

Previously, the equivalent job as head of regional and local government at Microsoft was held by Nigel Bates, who is leaving the company to join a Microsoft partner, the company said.