Microsoft has announced the appointment of Dahnesh Dilkhush as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Microsoft India and South Asia, further strengthening its leadership team in one of the company’s most strategic growth regions. The appointment underscores Microsoft’s commitment to driving AI-led digital transformation, cloud innovation, and technology adoption across enterprises in India and neighboring markets.
As CTO, Dilkhush will lead Microsoft’s technology strategy and innovation roadmap for the region, overseeing the development and integration of advanced cloud, AI, and data solutions to support businesses, government organizations, and partners. His role will also focus on accelerating the responsible adoption of AI through Microsoft’s Azure platform, Copilot ecosystem, and enterprise-grade solutions tailored for local markets.
The company said that Dilkhush’s appointment aligns with its long-term vision of empowering organizations with secure, scalable, and AI-powered tools that enable productivity and competitiveness in the digital economy. He will report to Irina Ghose, Managing Director, Microsoft India, and will work closely with global and regional teams to drive innovation across industries such as BFSI, retail, manufacturing, and the public sector.
Commenting on the appointment, Irina Ghose said, “Dahnesh brings a wealth of experience in cloud technology, digital transformation, and strategic innovation. His leadership will be instrumental in helping organizations across India and South Asia leverage Microsoft’s AI and cloud capabilities to transform their businesses responsibly and at scale.”
With over two decades of experience, Dahnesh Dilkhush has held senior leadership roles in enterprise technology, consulting, and innovation-driven environments. Prior to his new role, he was involved in steering digital modernization initiatives for large-scale clients and government entities, focusing on cloud adoption, AI implementation, and business resilience. His leadership approach is rooted in driving technology with purpose — ensuring digital inclusion, data security, and sustainability.
Dilkhush’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Microsoft, as the company continues to expand its footprint in India’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. India and South Asia are among the fastest-growing markets for Microsoft Azure and AI-based solutions, with enterprises increasingly integrating generative AI and automation into their business models.
Microsoft has been actively collaborating with Indian startups, enterprises, and public institutions to accelerate innovation. Its AI initiatives — including Copilot for Microsoft 365, Azure OpenAI Service, and the Microsoft India Development Center’s AI innovation programs — have positioned the company at the forefront of enterprise AI deployment.
In his new role, Dilkhush is expected to focus on three key priorities: strengthening AI and cloud infrastructure, fostering industry partnerships for innovation, and promoting responsible AI and cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with regulators and technology partners.
Speaking on his appointment, Dilkhush said, “India and South Asia are at a defining moment in their digital transformation journeys. Microsoft’s technology vision for the region is focused on empowering organizations to innovate confidently with AI and cloud. I look forward to advancing this mission and collaborating with industry and government leaders to build an inclusive and resilient technology ecosystem.”
His leadership is also expected to play a crucial role in scaling AI skilling and developer programs in collaboration with Microsoft’s regional initiatives such as AI Odyssey, Future Ready Champions of Code, and Cloud for Sustainability. These programs aim to build a future-ready workforce while supporting enterprises in adopting secure and efficient technology frameworks.
Industry experts note that this leadership move signals Microsoft’s intent to further localize its technology strategies and strengthen cross-border collaboration across South Asia, which includes markets like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. These regions are witnessing rapid adoption of digital solutions across banking, e-commerce, and telecommunications sectors.
Microsoft has been investing heavily in data centers and AI infrastructure in India, with projects such as its Hyderabad and Pune facilities playing a key role in meeting the growing demand for cloud services. Under Dilkhush’s leadership, the company is expected to focus on AI innovation for industry-specific challenges, including predictive analytics for financial services, intelligent retail solutions, and AI-powered citizen services.
The announcement also aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of advancing AI responsibly, with an emphasis on transparency, fairness, and accountability in model deployment. The company continues to collaborate with governments and regulators globally to build frameworks that ensure safe and ethical use of AI technologies.
Microsoft India has been a critical contributor to the company’s global R&D, with teams in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Noida working on product development across Azure, Office, Dynamics, and security. The addition of a dedicated CTO for the region reinforces Microsoft’s intent to integrate technological innovation with local insights, enabling businesses to scale more effectively.
With AI reshaping how organizations operate, the leadership addition of Dahnesh Dilkhush places Microsoft in a stronger position to support the region’s next wave of enterprise transformation. His experience in technology consulting and innovation leadership is expected to help Microsoft further bridge the gap between emerging AI technologies and real-world business outcomes.
The appointment also reflects the growing importance of India and South Asia within Microsoft’s global strategy, as enterprises in the region increasingly turn to AI and cloud solutions to modernize operations, enhance customer experience, and drive sustainable growth.