Dame Clare Barclay DBE

She is responsible for driving Microsoft’s growth ambitions and driving AI innovation across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to this Clare spent 4 years as CEO of Microsoft UK, leading through a period of significant transformation and growth.

With nearly 3 decades in industry, Clare has held a range of senior leadership roles with experience across all aspects of the business, including partnerships to unlock opportunity across industries and empowering small and medium-sized businesses. She has driven significant transformational change for Microsoft and is passionate about the importance of skills and helping young people thrive in tech careers across industries.

In October 2024, she was appointed as Chair of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. Her role as chair shapes the strategic direction of the council, ensuring its work supports the industrial strategy in driving long term growth objectives for the UK.  She also guides the council in providing independent, evidence-based recommendations that directly inform government policy.

In June 2025, Clare was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 for services to Business, Technology, and Leadership.