Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Microsoft Korea names IT expert as new CEO
Cho Won-woo, new CEO of Microsoft Korea / Courtesy of Microsoft Korea
By Baek Byung-yeul
By Baek Byung-yeul
Microsoft Korea appointed Cho Won-woo, a well-known IT expert here, as its new CEO, as the company looks to strengthen its business in the Korean market to accelerate its digital transformation, the Korean unit of the U.S. IT giant said Tuesday.
The company said the new CEO, also known by his English name Willy Cho, will officially take over the CEO's role on Aug. 21, adding that he has more than 25 years of experience in business-to-business (B2B) sectors, including cloud computing, digital solutions and enterprise software.
Prior to joining Microsoft Korea, Cho served as president of Megazone Cloud and GE Digital Korea, where he was responsible for domestic business strategy, operations and new business development. He also served in senior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco Systems.
Microsoft said the new CEO will lead the company's business, focusing on enabling a digital transformation and continuous innovation across domestic enterprises, communities and the country with its cloud computing and AI technologies.
“As one of the most dynamic markets in the region, Korea is leading the way in AI transformation,” Ahmed Mazhari, president of Microsoft Asia, said. “The tech ecosystem has given Microsoft an extraordinary platform from which to partner with Korean companies to drive an innovation agenda, and there is no one better suited to lead this next chapter for us than Willy Cho who brings not only depth but breadth of experience to the role.”
After his appointment as CEO, Cho said he hopes to help domestic companies with their digital transformation and expand their AI business.
“I am honored and excited to join the Microsoft Korea team, where we are at the forefront of the AI transformation,” he said. “I look forward to enabling businesses to thrive through digital and AI initiatives and the power of technology.”