Heather Third
Director: Special Projects, Africa
Microsoft Middle East & Africa

With 10 years' experience in consultancy and a further 13 in the corporate world, Heather Third has recently taken the role of Director: Special Projects, Africa for Microsoft. Heather is responsible for advising and delivering on Microsoft's investment strategy into Africa, including community development, product innovation and capacity building.

Before transitioning into the role in April 2008, Heather worked for Microsoft South Africa for nearly 10 years. As Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft South Africa, her role was to drive business and marketing efficiency and effectiveness, overseeing the revenue growth and profitability. Her strengths lie in driving maximum impact for the brand from all available resources – marketing and people.

She is passionate about reputation management, and its ability to help people and companies realise their dreams.

Heather previously worked in communications consultancy in varied industries from hospitality to the financial services sector. Prior to joining Microsoft, she worked for a well-known construction company, overseeing their brand identity change as they evolved from a government-sanctioned cartel to a free market operation.