Image credit: Microsoft 

For the first time in the Middle East, Microsoft has appointed a female Country Manager at its headquarters in Egypt. The new head, Mirna Arif, is now responsible for overseeing all of Microsoft’s operations in the region. Arif started working for Microsoft in 2019, leading the company’s portfolio and making its strategic plans as an MEA Business Group Director.

Since then, Arif has moved up the company’s ladder. As Microsoft’s Country Manager, her role involves making major company decisions within the country, accelerating Microsoft’s digital advancements, creating new business models, and fully optimising its operations.

As stated by Microsoft, Arif has spoken about her plans for the company, aiming to expand Microsoft’s services across Egypt to keep up with the Egypt Vision 2030: Sustainable Development Strategy. “Our mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more, and I’m thrilled to further this mission as we continue to expand Microsoft’s footprint in Egypt and unlock its growth potential”, said Arif.

Arif has over 18 years of experience in the business and technology sectors. Having graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo, she has plenty of knowledge in the fields of her work. Her successes include closing deals worth over a billion dollars, managing teams with over 300 people, and creating business strategies for a variety of international companies.

Before joining Microsoft, Arif held several positions at various renowned multinational and regional organisations within the Middle East, including GE Oil & Gas, Schlumberger Information Solutions, Emerson Automation Solutions, the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum, and Banque Misr. The positions she held at these various entities helped her gain the experience she currently has, allowing her to hold such a high position at Microsoft.

Arif has managed to achieve all this at a young age while raising her two children, Haya and Ahmed. Arif’s accomplishments do not only show the results of hard work, but they also serve as a reminder of women’s growing achievements in the Middle East and the world as a whole. Through constant perseverance and taking plenty of risks, Arif has reached her ever-growing success, opening doors for herself and serving as an inspiration to women everywhere.