Microsoft has announced this week that Kevin Wo will be taking over from Jessica Tan as the company's new managing director for Singapore, effective on January 1, 2016.

Wo's core responsibilities will be on growing the company's 26-year presence in Singapore, developing and driving strategies for products, service and support offerings.

In particular, he will focus on enabling Microsoft customers to accelerate their digital transformation and momentum.

“We live in a dynamic, connected age where digital and cloud technologies have created incredible opportunities to redefine business models, growth avenues and customer experiences," Wo says.

Wo brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent seven years with Avanade as vice president and country manager for Singapore. He has also held leadership roles at leading IT and business consulting firms.

“Singapore is one of the most technologically-advanced markets in Asia Pacific, where digital transformation is accelerating rapidly in all sectors. Kevin is a proven IT leader and will deepen Microsoft's relationships with customers and partners in co-creating new digital possibilities as Singapore charts its next lap of growth," comments Microsoft Asia and corporate vice president Ralph Haupter.

According to Microsoft, former managing director Jessica Tan is leaving after thirteen years to pursue new business opportunities. She will remain in her role until December 31, to ensure a 'seamless' leadership transition.

“In the technology industry, we understand better than anyone else that change is the only constant. After 13 rewarding years in Microsoft, I think that the time is right for me to have fresh talent succeed what I hope is a great legacy. Microsoft is in a strong position strategically, and we have the right leadership and people in place in the Singapore team. I am confident that the company will continue to empower more organizations in their digital transformation journey as well as make a difference to society,” Tan says.

Haupter says Microsoft is "humbled" by Tan's contributions and her status as an exemplary business and community leader, particularly in champion women's leadership roles in IT.

Microsoft Asia has also made some other high-profile senior hires this year, including:

• HP's Managing Director for Malaysia, Thiyagu Letchumanan left to head up Microsoft's Enterprise sales team in Malaysia.
• K Raman, Oracle Corporation's Regional Managing Director for ASEAN and South Asia Growth Economies also joined Microsoft Malaysia as its new managing director.
• Dell's Vice President of Asia Pacific - Japan, Barrie Sheers joined Microsoft New Zealand as managing director.
• Area Vice President of Salesforce, Simon Davies, left the company to join Microsoft as vice president of its Business Solutions division.
• Alfred Koh, former CEO of Samsung SDS, joined Microsoft as general manager of Microsoft Korea.
• Ricky Kapur left his role as Managing Director of Google's Cloud Platform to become Microsoft's general manager of Enterprise - Partner Group.
• Rob Behennah left his role as the Senior Vice President of the Customer Success Group for Salesforce Japan to become Microsoft's new general manager for Microsoft Services in Asia Pacific.