CEO, Microsoft UK – 2020-present
The only regional vendor leader to make the top 30, Clare Barclay’s 26-year career at Microsoft culminated in her being named UK CEO in 2020.
She has channel in her blood, joining the software vendor as a channel sales and marketing manager in 1998 before heading up partner strategy between 2005 and 2010.
Barclay last November presided over what she characterised as “the single largest investment” in Microsoft’s UK history as the vendor committed to spending £2.5bn to expand its AI datacentre infrastructure here.
Leadership style
Barclay won plaudits from our panel for her advocacy for underrepresented groups in the tech sector and passion for skilling up the UK workforce.
Low points
Given some of the sweeping changes that have come in on her watch – including axing the historic Microsoft Partner Network – Barclay may not be on the Christmas card lists of all Microsoft’s SMB-focused partners.
Killer quote
“The pace of change in AI demands action today to build a prosperous future for the UK tomorrow. Today marks the single largest investment in our more than 40-year history in the UK.” [Speaking about Microsoft’s recent UK datacentre investment]
What our panellists said about Barclay
Fiona McKenzie, CEO, Revere Agency
“Clare Barclay immediately comes to mind for several reasons. Her tenure at Microsoft demonstrates a remarkable career path within a single company, transitioning from her initial role as Channel Sales and Marketing Manager to becoming the UK CEO. While many seek advancement by moving between companies, I believe Clare’s journey within Microsoft deserves recognition and celebration. She is an advocate for underrepresented groups in the technology sector and demonstrates a commitment to mentoring and developing future leaders, which I greatly admire. We need more female leaders like Clare, she inspires, supports, and takes action to influence change and make an impact.”
Marion Stewart, CEO, Red Helix
“Over the last few years Clare has been a leading voice in the tech sector for both digital transformation and AI here in the UK. Under her leadership she has continued to drive significant growth for MS, as well as delivered significant investments in the UK with the announcements of the new UK datacentre builds. She is passionate about driving economic benefits and skills development of the UK workforce. Alongside her fantastic achievements at the helm of MS UK, she is a great role model for females in the tech sector, having worked to build her career over her 25 years at Microsoft.”
How did IT Channel Oxygen compile The Century’s Greatest Vendor Leaders? See here
