Microsoft Belgium’s turnover has increased by at least 34% per year since 2020 and exceeded one billion euros for the first time at the end of last year. This year as well, CEO Marijke Schroos expects similar growth, mainly thanks to the cloud, security, and Dynamics.
For a long time, Microsoft was criticized and regarded rather condescendingly for its dusty image and lack of communication, but in recent years the company has fully embraced innovation—injecting tons of money into artificial intelligence, with Copilot being omnipresent. Marijke Schroos has experienced all the ups and downs, having worked at Microsoft for over 21 years—a period during which she had her three children. She began as a marketing specialist and became CEO nearly two years ago. Since then, she has been sitting every Thursday in the “Digital Win Room” with the entire Microsoft leadership team.
In our country, Microsoft employs around 550 people, of which 300 work exclusively for the Belgian branch. The remaining employees focus primarily on international activities, serving major companies and governments such as NATO, AB InBev, Arcelor Mittal, or Atlas Copco. All these activities enable Microsoft Belux to achieve a turnover of just under 2 billion euros this year.
Marijke Schroos places great importance on diversity. Approximately one third of the workforce is female. “We are now trying to involve them more in the management team. And I notice that thanks to artificial intelligence, girls are also showing more interest in the IT sector. Like Tornados or Cheetahs, we must dare to pass the baton.”
Marijke Schroos is optimistic about technology. “Every job will be impacted by AI; there will also be job cuts, but there will be many opportunities. It is possible that the shortage of IT professionals in Belgium will be partly alleviated thanks to AI.”
Regarding the unilateral increases in license fees, she remains somewhat reserved. “The products have also become much richer.” For companies, these fees can be negotiated; for SMEs, partners secure “early adopter” prices or other discounts. The channel in which companies specialize thus remains very important for Microsoft.
And then this: Marijke Schroos is handing over the reins to Jef De Wit, founder of Cronos, and she would like to know how he envisions the future evolving.
Interview and text by Luc Blyaert
