Microsoft to announce new UK boss

The company has confirmed that Neil Holloway, who has headed up the UK subsidiary since 1998, is about to hand over the reins to a successor.

Holloway will remain with Microsoft as its corporate vice president and vice president of sales, marketing and services for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"Microsoft is close to finalising the appointment of a new managing director for Microsoft UK," said a Microsoft spokeswoman. "When the appointment is official, Microsoft will release full details."

Holloway was promoted to his new European role in the summer of 2003. Since then he has been carrying out both roles, with executive support in the UK. It appears that Microsoft have finally chosen his permanent replacement.

"Until a suitable replacement is appointed, the UK operations are being overseen by Jean-Philippe Courtois, SVP and CEO of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the UK's senior management team," the Microsoft spokeswoman added.

Rumours suggest that the successful candidate is Alistair Baker, but Microsoft has refused to comment on this suggestion. Baker is already a member of the Microsoft UK executive, as group director for small and mid-market solutions and partners.

As reported back in June 2003, Microsoft's UK arm has been the subject of a restructuring operation to align its operations closely with the seven-unit structure previously defined in the US.