Microsoft appoints Puneet Chandok as Corporate Vice President for India and South Asia

Microsoft Appoints Puneet Chandok as Corporate Vice President for India and South Asia

On September 1, 2023, Puneet Chandok will assume the role of Corporate Vice President of Microsoft India and South Asia, taking over the operational responsibilities from the outgoing Anant Maheshwari. In this position, Chandok will be supported by a strong leadership team as he spearheads the integration of Microsoft’s businesses across the South Asian region, encompassing countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The appointment of Puneet Chandok is expected to bolster Microsoft’s presence in the region and further enhance the company’s focus on key industries. Under his leadership, Microsoft aims to adopt a customer-centric approach, leveraging generative AI technologies to address the needs of customers and businesses more effectively. This strategic move reflects Microsoft’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving growth in South Asia.

Ahmed Mazhari, President of Microsoft Asia, expressed his delight in welcoming Puneet Chandok to the Microsoft India team. He commended Chandok’s remarkable track record in building and growing technology businesses and acknowledged his expertise in utilizing technology to drive significant and positive change. With the AI-led future ahead, Mazhari believes Chandok’s leadership will play a crucial role in steering Microsoft’s success in the South Asian region.

Mazhari also took the opportunity to extend his appreciation to outgoing Corporate Vice President Anant Maheshwari for his contributions and the growth trajectory he set for the company during his tenure. As Chandok assumes his new role, Microsoft looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering individuals and organizations in the region through innovative technologies and solutions.

Puneet Chandok, in response to his appointment, expressed his enthusiasm and inspiration by Microsoft’s mission to empower every individual and organization to achieve more. He emphasized the relevance of this mission in India, particularly as the country continues to expand its digital public infrastructure. Chandok conveyed his excitement about joining the One Microsoft team and being part of the efforts to turn this mission into reality, thereby contributing to India’s digital transformation and growth.

Anant Maheshwari, the outgoing Corporate Vice President, expressed his gratitude for the privilege of being part of Microsoft India’s remarkable growth journey over the past seven years. He acknowledged the exceptional talent and strong leadership within the team that has contributed to the company’s momentum and success in India. Maheshwari praised the Microsoft India team for establishing a solid foundation of trust and innovative business models, which have been crucial in driving the company’s growth and impact in the region. He leaves with a sense of fulfillment and appreciation for the achievements made during his tenure at Microsoft India.

Chandok’s appointment as the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft India and South Asia comes at a crucial juncture for the company, as it continues to experience rapid expansion in the market, especially in cloud technology and digital innovation. Microsoft boasts the largest partner ecosystem globally, with 17,000 partners in India, contributing significantly to its high cloud revenues. The company’s recent investments in local infrastructure, including plans for a new data center in Hyderabad, demonstrate its commitment to supporting India’s growth as a global innovation hub.

With Chandok at the helm, Microsoft aims to further strengthen its presence in the region and deepen its focus on key industries, leveraging generative AI technologies to drive customer-centric solutions. The company’s mission to empower every individual and organization aligns well with India’s efforts to expand its digital public infrastructure, making the appointment all the more relevant and significant. Microsoft remains dedicated to driving economic progress and inclusive growth in India through transformative digital technologies and innovative solutions.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Puneet Chandok served as the leader for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in India and South Asia. In this role, he focused on collaborating with various businesses, including enterprises, startups, and SMBs, to enhance their agility, promote innovation, and reduce technical debt through AWS cloud solutions. His experience at AWS provided him with valuable insights into the cloud computing industry and its impact on businesses across various sectors.

Chandok’s professional journey also includes notable positions at McKinsey and IBM, where he held senior regional and global roles. During his tenure at these companies, he gained extensive experience in driving strategic initiatives and leading transformative projects on a global scale.

He is well-qualified academically, holding an MBA degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. In addition to this, he has a bachelor’s degree in commerce and several diplomas in computer programming, networking, and high-level computer systems. His diverse educational background equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both business management and technology.

With his strong leadership background and deep expertise in cloud computing and technology, Chandok is well-positioned to lead India and South Asia operations and drive the company’s growth in the region’s dynamic digital landscape.