Ali Faramawy, vice-president of Microsoft Europe; Middle East and Africa (EMEA), says: "The appointment of Pfungwa Serima marks another chapter in the history of Microsoft SA. After two years as director of the services group, he is ready to take on this new challenge. I have great faith in Pfungwa driving Microsoft's business forward, as we prepare to launch exciting new versions of our flagship products, and continue to develop the local software economy."

Serima replaces Gordon Frazer, who has been promoted to take on the role of MD of Microsoft in the UK, one of Microsoft's largest and leading markets in the world. The change is effective from 1 August.

Says Serima: "I feel privileged to have been chosen to take on this exciting opportunity. In my time at Microsoft I have realized what a talented team there is in SA and I look forward to being able to steer this ship further into new possibilities. "