Nairobi-based Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre (ADC) has appointed Equity Bank’s Jack Ngare as it’s new head.
Mr. Ngare previously headed Equity Bank’s Finserve Platform, and will be the first Managing Director of the newly launched research and development facility.
Finserve is the fintech company owned by Equity Bank which runs the bank’s Equitel and Eazzy services.
Before this, Mr. Ngare was Equity Group’s Technology and Innovations MD; he served in this position for four years.
He had previously worked at British Telecom, Stanbic Bank, and NIC Bank, and is highly experienced in the fields of emerging technology, financial services, telecommunications and management.
Mr. Jack, who holds two Masters degrees, will lead the team at ADC to expand Microsoft’s reach on the African continent.
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Ngare revealed his excitement about the new role saying, “This is such an incredible opportunity, to join an organisation that is truly empowering people globally, and in Africa, to achieve more. I can’t wait to start my new journey as managing director and proud to lead such a talented team in Nairobi.”
The ADC hub is the seventh globally, with plans underway to open another one in Lagos, Nigeria, later in the year with the firm setting aside Sh10 billion for the two centres over the next five years. ADC engineers are already working with local partners and customers on key issues for Kenya, Africa and the rest of the world.
