Nicola Hodson becomes IBM's first female CEO in the UK and Ireland

One of Microsoft's top worldwide executives has been hired by IBM to lead its UK and Ireland operations. The CEO role of IBM with in UK and Ireland will now be held by Nicola Hodson, which marks the first time a woman has held the job.

"Nicola is an outstanding leader with an incredible breadth of senior-level expertise in the IT business and a profound awareness of difficulties facing the C-suite," said Ana Paula Assis, Chair and Manager of IBM Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Her proven track record of navigating change will support IBM's UK and Ireland divisions in achieving sustained growth for both our clients and our company.

In recent years, IBM has undergone a number of significant changes. A significant reorganization of the firm's resources has been going on as a result of Big Blue's shaky financial outcomes. In order to make the business more competitive, there have been contentious layoffs as well as the introduction of new brand identities, such as IBM Consulting.

Sreeram Visvanathan oversaw IBM's efforts in the UK and Ireland because it sought to contribute to these transformations. After joining IBM in 2002 when it acquired PwC's worldwide consulting group, he was named CEO in 2020, capping a two-decade career.

After three years in charge, Visvanathan announced his resignation from IBM, which started the selection process for his replacement. And IBM has knocked off quite a feat by announcing that Nicola Hodson shall take on UK and Ireland CEO role to fill his shoes.

Hodson comes from Microsoft, wherein she most recently served as vice president of partner and client solutions and transformation as well as a member of the organization's global executive team for a commercial venture. Initially joining Microsoft in 2008 to run the company's UK Public Sector division, Hodson changed positions within four years to become the company's UK Ceo. She has also worked for EY as a consulting firm in the past.

I am thrilled to manage the UK and Ireland division and to engage with such a strong team since IBM has incredible importance in the market, said Hodson. "As they move quickly to adapt, adopt new technology and business models, and fulfill their sustainability aspirations, all businesses and organizations are in a make-or-break situation. IBM's hybrid cloud and AI technology and consulting services are assisting clients in hastening their important transformational journeys.

As the first female to lead IBM UK and Ireland, Hodson will therefore focus on assisting clients in crucial industries to utilize technologies like AI, automation, and hybrid cloud, all the while managing IBM's UK and Ireland daily operations, boosting revenue, client satisfaction, and employee engagement. She will continue to serve as the Deputy President of the trade organization techUK, which puts her at the center of the UK government's and private sector's digital agenda. She will also continue to serve in non-executive director capacities at Beazley, Drax, and Bramble Energy.