Microsoft Appoints Former AWS Head Vaishali Kasture as GM for India and South Asia

Microsoft has announced the appointment of Vaishali Kasture as the General Manager for its Small, Medium, and Corporate (SMC) business in India and South Asia. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Kasture will oversee operations at a time when technology adoption is accelerating across both corporate and SMB sectors. 

Kasture previously served as the Head of AWS India and South Asia. She will be the second high-ranking executive to leave AWS for Microsoft within the past year, as the companies vie for a larger share of the cloud market in India. Her predecessor at AWS, Puneet Chandok, became the head of Microsoft India and South Asia in September last year.

“I cannot think of a better time to take up the role as GM for the SMC business in India and South Asia,”said Kasture on her appointment to the new role.  She highlighted Microsoft’s comprehensive approach to technology, focusing on areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data, and security.

“Microsoft is singularly positioned as a full-service technology company, focusing on an end-to-end technology stack,” Kasture added, citing the company’s ability to enhance productivity through generative AI.

Kasture also referenced Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s vision, quoting him: “Microsoft is like the United Nations of Software. Helping people and organizations to do more, to achieve more.”

India, described by Kasture as “the fastest-growing large economy in the world,” presents significant opportunities for Microsoft, which has bolstered its presence in the country over the past three decades. 

Kasture will collaborate with key figures including Chandok and Rachel Bondi to advance Microsoft’s vision in the region. She expressed gratitude towards Ahmed Mazhari and Kevin Peesker for their support and partnership during her transition into the role.

The appointment underscores Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its footprint in India and South Asia, aligning with the growing demand for technology-driven solutions in the region.