Diversity in STEM champion Pip Marlow leaves Microsoft after 21 years 

After 21 years with Microsoft, including as Australian managing director since 2011, Pip Marlow will soon depart the tech giant to join Suncorp as CEO of strategic innovation.

The move will see Marlow transition out of the business by the end of January, with Steven Worrall named the new local boss of Microsoft, as of 1 January 2017.

It also means one less woman at the helm of a tech company, and follows Maile Carnegie’s departure from Google Australia to ANZ earlier this year.

Microsoft’s Corporate VP of Asia Ralph Haupter said the fact they were able to choose a leader from without their ranks, “speaks to the strength of Pip’s leadership”.

“Pip has been an exceptional leader for Microsoft Australia and will be greatly missed,” he said.

“Her strong leadership, passion and determination to continually improve Microsoft for our customers, partners, employees and the wider community has been truly inspirational. She has made a tremendous contribution and impact.” 

On announcing her departure, Microsoft also noted some of her key achievements in her time as MD, including launching two cloud datacenter regions in Australia and opening the doors to Microsoft’s first flagship stores outside of North America.

It also noted her commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and for championing the need for STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths] education.

Marlow said she leaves the Australian Microsoft business in excellent shape and that after two decades, she was ready to move on to a new challenge. 

Suncorp MD Michael Cameron said Marlow’s appointment will help deliver Suncorp’s customer strategy.

“Her strong leadership will be pivotal to the success of our marketplace, our third party relationships and the deliver of our customer strategy,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the contribution.”

This article was originally published on Women’s Agenda. 

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