DVT snares Microsoft exec

By Kimberly Guest for Microsoft
Johannesburg, 07 Dec 2007

Microsoft SA`s public sector director, Ashley de Klerk, has left the company to join newly-listed DVT.

De Klerk is the seventh executive to leave the local operations since the beginning of the year. However, he insists the move is for personal reasons.

"I want to spend less time travelling and more time with my family. DVT gives me the opportunity to do so, while at the same time allowing me to look at different areas," he explains.

De Klerk will take up the role of Gauteng MD at DVT, making space for Derek Hughes to focus on acquisitions.

Change inevitable

Although the timing of the executive exits has been unfortunate, Microsoft SA`s MD Pfungwa Serima says "you cannot stand in the way of change".

"Any movements create uneasiness within the organisations and it takes a while for the workforce to settle down with new management. But through all these changes we`ve managed to be the best IT company to work for. I think that says something for the culture of the organisation and our ability to get through the period of change," he says.

On the upside, changes can also be a catalyst for further growth based on new insights, Serima says.

As for De Klerk`s exit, Serima highlights the impact the ex-public service director had on the local operations.

"De Klerk decided to leave the corporate world after two-and-a-half years in the position. During his tenure, he more than doubled the public sector business for Microsoft in SA. I wish him all of the very best in the future," he says.

De Klerk confirms he departed on "good terms" and says he will continue to work closely with the software giant.