Google Cloud Names Former Microsoft Exec to Lead EMEA Push

As organisations accelerate their shift from traditional data centres to cloud platforms, and demand for generative AI services continues to grow, the cloud computing market – dominated by hyperscalers Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud – has seen providers expand their regional presence through data centre investments and executive appointments.

With that in mind, Google Cloud has announced that it has appointed former Microsoft executive Maureen Costello to lead its operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa as the company strengthens its presence in these markets.

In her new role Maureen, who held the role of Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery at Microsoft, will oversee Google Cloud’s enterprise sales and operations across both regions.

Cloud providers target African expansion amid digital transformation

The appointment follows Google Cloud's launch of its first African data centre in Johannesburg, part of a US$1bn investment programme to expand cloud computing infrastructure across the continent.

The Johannesburg facility represents a key step in Google Cloud’s African expansion strategy, providing organisations across the continent with locally-hosted computing resources. This local presence reduces latency – the time taken for data to travel between servers and users – and helps companies comply with data residency requirements.

“It’s an honour to join Google Cloud at such a pivotal time in its journey. We have a tremendous opportunity to help businesses across the UKI and Sub-Saharan Africa harness the full potential of the cloud, from AI and data analytics to cybersecurity and sustainability,” says Maureen.

Enterprise momentum builds in UK market as partnerships expand

Maureen joins Google Cloud at a key stage in its growth trajectory. In the United Kingdom, Google Cloud has recently secured contracts with British Telecommunications, John Lewis & Partners, Vodafone Group and WPP.

These partnerships demonstrate the growing adoption of cloud services across sectors, as organisations seek to modernise their technology infrastructure. Cloud platforms provide tools for AI development, which enables computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, alongside data analytics capabilities that help companies extract insights from their information.

Before her role at Microsoft, Maureen spent 25 years at Accenture, where she held positions including Senior Managing Director and Resources Lead for the UK and Ireland region.

Google Cloud’s platform includes infrastructure services, developer tools that help programmers build and deploy software, security features to protect organisations from cyber threats, and collaboration software that enables remote work.

Tara Brady, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Google Cloud, says: “Maureen is a proven leader with an exceptional track record of driving growth and building high-performing teams. Her deep industry expertise and understanding of the unique needs of customers will be invaluable as we continue to expand Google Cloud's presence in these key markets.”

Google Cloud’s platform provides organisations with access to the same infrastructure that powers Google’s own services, including its search engine and YouTube video platform. The company has developed custom processors, known as Tensor Processing Units, specifically designed to handle AI workloads.

The expansion in Africa comes as the continent experiences rapid digital transformation, with organisations adopting cloud services to improve operations and reach customers through digital channels.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to help businesses across the UKI and Sub-Saharan Africa harness the full potential of the cloud, from AI and data analytics to cybersecurity and sustainability,” says Maureen. “I am eager to build on the strong foundation already in place.”

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