Microsoft has appointed Samer Abu-Ltaif as the new President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). He takes over from Ralph Haupter, who will transition to the role of President of the newly established Microsoft Small, Medium Enterprises, and Channel Partner organization.
In his new role, Abu-Ltaif will leverage his extensive experience in driving digital transformation and fostering collaboration to strengthen Microsoft’s presence in the EMEA region. Spanning over 120 markets, he will play a pivotal role in empowering customers and partners to harness the transformative potential of AI, enabling them to achieve more and help drive innovation and sustained economic growth across the region.
Abu-Ltaif brings a wealth of expertise, having recently served as President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMA). Under his leadership, Microsoft deepened partnerships with strategic service providers, expanded its regional footprint, and delivered enhanced value to customers and partners across three continents.
During his two-decade tenure at Microsoft, Abu-Ltaif has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have solidified Microsoft as a key partner in advancing regional priorities. This includes achievements like the launch of Microsoft’s first datacenter on the African continent in South Africa, datacenters in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Poland, a recently announced Global Engineering Development Center in the UAE, and planned datacenter regions in Greece and Saudi Arabia as well as the upcoming datacenter region in Kenya. He also played a pivotal role in the opening of Microsoft Africa Development Center in Kenya, and the company’s $1.5 billion investment in Abu Dhabi’s G42, aimed at accelerating AI innovation globally.
Abu-Ltaif has been a strong proponent of workforce development, championing skills training initiatives like Tomoh, AthkaU, TechDev, the Africa Development Bank partnership, Digital Heartbeat, and Tawar w Ghayar. These programs have empowered millions across the region, providing current and future generations with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in the digital era. His steadfast dedication to sustainability has also led to impactful collaborations with governments, businesses, and startups, furthering the region's sustainability goals and driving meaningful change.
Based in the UAE, Abu-Ltaif has held various senior leadership positions at Microsoft, such as President for the Middle East and Africa, and Regional Director for the Gulf region. He earned an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, as well as a degree in Computer Science, from the American University of Beirut.