MANILA, Philippines — For the first time ever, software giant Microsoft has appointed a Filipina to manage its operations in the Philippines with the announcement of Karrie Ilagan as the local unit’s new managing director.
Ilagan, formerly the enterprise sales director of Microsoft Philippines, will be replacing John Bessey, who served at the top post of Microsoft Philippines for three years.
The appointment of Ilagan comes as the software company prepares to release Windows 8, its attempt at staying relevant in the tech industry amid taking hits from smartphone and tablet manufacturers.
“Our focus has changed tremendously over the past years. We are not just a company that sells software,” Ilagan emphasized in a statement.
As a six-year Microsoft executive, Ilagan led the expansion of Microsoft’s footprint in key enterprise customers in the Philippines, as well as the launching of key Microsoft products in the Philippines such as Windows Vista, Office 2007, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008.
Ilagan said she will hit the ground running with continuing to “grow the local software economy” as well as pushing for consumers’ rights to have a choice in technology that brings them the best benefits, whether in personal or in business use.
“I believe that there are still a large number of Filipino companies that can achieve global competitiveness by enhancing their IT capabilities,” she said, adding that with the right combination of technology, education, and appropriate government help, “Microsoft Philippines can make a valuable contribution to the development of the country.”
An 18-year IT veteran, Ilagan served in key executive positions in a number of technology companies in the Philippines. Prior to joining Microsoft, she led IBM’s global small and medium business unit in the Philippines from 2003 to 2005, and was country manager of its personal systems group from 2000 to 2002.
Ilagan will be the second Filipina IT executive appointed at a top management position this year, following the assignment of Mariels Almeda Winhoffer as the new country managing director of IBM Philippines.
source: interaksyon.com
