Not too long ago, IBB did a lament-y piece about the lack of C-level folk helming big IT MNCs based in Malaysia. This had included a certain Japanese MNC, I worked with in my company’s capacity for a particular project.
Now, I hear that it’s about to lose its newly minted Country President as well. Michael Warren had come out of semi-retirement to be with MDeC for 2 years before being snagged by this MNC. But less than 2 months into this new role, rumours are swirling that he will leave come end of November!
Reasons are unclear, but the previous IBB piece had mused that calibred people are staying away from top country positions because they are deemed as ‘not worth it’. Also, a majority of global companies that have been in this region for ages, are undergoing cost-cutting measures, while also still expecting sales to thrive.
Do more with less… when tech vendors and service providers say they can help customers do more with less, it is something which they are undergoing themselves, and Warren most likely had the same expectations of him as Country President.
Also, with so many regional HQs of customers located in Singapore, most heads of IT MNCs based in Malaysia have their hands tied because most buying decisions are taken at a regional level, perhaps?
Malaysia is a small, tough and saturated market. Why isn’t the Southeast Asia region of countries (maybe even Asia Pacific) be viewed and treated as one single market instead?
IT BYTES BACK! says: We wonder if the role was too small or too big for Warren…
Update: Michael Warren has confirmed that he is indeed stepping down, and even though he has not accepted any offers yet, he is “sure it will be back towards the government side where I find more fulfilment in nation building.”
