Microsoft crowns public sector chief

Microsoft has merged two parts of its UK business focused on the public sector and appointed a director of government to oversee its focus on areas such as criminal justice and defence.

Graham Harrop, a company veteran of more than 23 years, will take on the director of government role and be responsible for bringing together the local and regional government sectors within the software behemoth's public sector organisation.

Harrop will also have responsibility for the criminal justice, defence and central government sectors within Microsoft in one department. The company said in a statement: "This will enable Microsoft to better support the delivery of joined-up services for citizens as envisaged in the transformational government agenda."

Harrop will be focused on "how Microsoft can help government customers get more from their investment in our technologies", the company said.

Previously, the equivalent job as head of regional and local government at Microsoft was held by Nigel Bates, who is leaving the company to join a Microsoft partner, it said.

Colin Barker writes for ZDNet UK