Change afoot at Microsoft Saudi Arabia

Microsoft is understood to be searching for a general manager to run its operation in Saudi Arabia following speculation in the channel that its current boss is to leave his position.

Dr Khaled Al-Daher, who has occupied the hotseat for five years, is expected to depart for new pastures later this year. Prior to overseeing the software giant’s business in the Kingdom, where a major focus has been to extend its ties with private sector and government organisations, he worked for Microsoft’s Gulf and East Mediterranean operations.

Market spectators say Microsoft is lining up a successor to Al-Daher, but its timeframe for doing so remains unclear at this stage. "They are looking for a replacement, but we are not sure when it is expected to be announced," said one channel source.

It appears Microsoft’s initial preference is to find somebody with a high profile in the Saudi IT sector and experience of managing an international company’s local operations in the Kingdom. The vendor is believed to have sounded out at least two Saudi-based industry figures over their interest in the position.

Microsoft Arabia declined to comment.