Uwa Airhiavbere

Senior Director | General Manager @ Microsoft

About

Uwa is a seasoned strategic leader with extensive experience in driving growth and innovation in the tech and energy sectors. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded commercial strategies and high-impact sustainability initiatives, particularly aiding energy operators in their journey to Net Zero by leveraging cutting-edge tech solutions. His work spans a diverse range of organizations, from startups to established global corporations, implementing transformative strategies that foster long-term value and positive change. Uwa serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of Microsoft's Worldwide Energy & Resources Industry business. In this role, he is responsible for Microsoft's comprehensive commercial strategy in the energy industry. He oversees high impact growth initiatives and partnerships that support energy operators on their path to Net Zero. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Energy & Resources business, where he has served as the Oil & Gas and Mining Practice Leader and the Strategic Alliances Leader. Prior to joining Microsoft, Uwa had a successful nine-year career at General Electric (GE) within the Oil & Gas Division. Uwa holds an Executive MBA from Cornell University and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), with concentrations in International Economics & Energy Policy. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics, with honors, from Brown University https://signitt.com/uwa-airhiavbere/ #energytech #energytransition #AItransformation

Country

United States

City

Greater Seattle Area

Industry

Computer Software

Skill

Generative AI, agentic ai, Microsoft Copilot Studio, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Modeling, Big Data, Corporate Governance, Board of Directors, Cloud Computing, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cybersecurity, Petroleum, Energy, Leadership, Oil & Gas Industry, Six Sigma, Upstream, Oil & Gas, Management

Experience

Senior Director | General Manager

Microsoft

2021-9 - Present · 5 yrs 1 mo

Seattle, Washington, United States

GM & CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER (CCO), WW ENERGY & RESOURCES INDUSTRY - Seattle, WA :: 2022 - Present. Report directly to CVP WW Energy, Microsoft. Oversee end-to-end commercial strategy for the WW Energy team. Oversee high impact growth initiatives and partnerships focused on energy transition with Microsoft's largest energy industry customers and partners. SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, WW ENERGY INDUSTRY - Seattle, WA :: 2021 - 2022. Lead a global team of executives who are focused on structuring strategic alliances with Microsoft's largest energy industry customers and partners. PRACTICE LEADER, WW OIL & GAS INDUSTRY - Seattle, WA :: 2017 - 2022. Lead Microsoft’s Worldwide Oil & Gas and Mining practice. ==

Managing Director

Microsoft

2017-9 - 2021-9 · 4 yrs 1 mo

Greater Seattle Area

MANAGING DIRECTOR, WW OIL & GAS INDUSTRY - Seattle, WA :: 2017 - 2022. Report directly to CVP Energy, Microsoft. Lead Microsoft’s Worldwide Oil & Gas and Mining practice. Identify trends and opportunities in the Oil & Gas and Mining industries as they adapt to the energy transition. Enable field readiness and sales, partner strategy, strategic investments, and integration among business groups within Microsoft. (Acting) TEAM LEAD, DIGITAL STRATEGIST, ENERGY INDUSTRY - Seattle, WA :: 2020 - 2022. Lead a global team of industry digital strategists who are focused on driving strategic relationships with Microsoft's largest energy industry customers. ==

Board Member

NACD Northwest Chapter

2025-10 - Present · 1 yr

Seattle, Washington, United States

Proud to serve on the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Northwest Chapter Board of Directors.

Non Executive Director, Member - Audit and Risk Committee, Member - Sustainability Committee

IMDEX

2022-12 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

Proud to serve on the IMDEX Board of Directors. IMDEX is a mining technology company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: IMD). Roles: Non-Executive Director Member - Audit & Risk Committee Member - Sustainability Committee

Non Executive Director

Christensen, Inc.

2024-3 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

Proud to serve on the Christensen Inc Board of Directors. Member of Compensation Committee.

Director | Operations | Business Development

2013 - 2017 · 4 yrs

U.S., Africa

DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS – Houston, TX :: 2016–2017 Led development of commercial initiatives for Rod Lift Systems North America (US & Canada), a subsidiary of General Electric Corporation. Oversaw commercial operations team, direct go-to-market strategy, market intelligence, competitive analysis, customer segmentation, pricing, and tender management. Participated in deal negotiations including product scope, price, terms and conditions. Identify team skill gaps, structure development plan, and oversee training. BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR – Houston, TX & Luanda, Angola :: 2013–2016 Maximized profitability of the Angola business unit that provided surface and subsea wellhead systems, and aftermarket services. Directly oversaw 100+ person team. Managed operational risks to EBITDA of a multimillion-dollar portfolio. Ensured team compliance to health, safety and environment policies through processes and training. Deployed equipment and field service technicians in alignment to client drilling schedules.

Senior Manager | Business Development

2008 - 2013 · 5 yrs

U.S., Africa, Europe

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Houston, TX :: 2012–2013 Identified and supported surface wellhead business opportunities in U.S. and Africa. Led strategic initiatives to position the business for continued success in existing markets. Supported all negotiations. SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Abuja, Nigeria :: 2010–2012 Headed aftermarket services to downstream oil & gas operators in West Africa. Coordinated development of sales and marketing objectives for multimillion-dollar portfolio. Coordinated the efforts of a cross-functional team to deploy equipment and field service technicians. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Houston/Lagos/Florence :: 2008–2010 Led commercial, sales & marketing initiatives in various GE Oil & Gas businesses globally as part of the Experienced Commercial Leadership Program (ECLP) – a two-year rotational leadership program focused on sales and marketing.