Microsoft Australia boss quits to join Suncorp

Microsoft Australia boss Pip Marlow will depart the software giant to join Suncorp as its new head of strategic innovation.

She will end a 21-year career at Microsoft and six years as the head of its local operations when she joins the bank in March next year.

Marlow will be responsible for Suncorp's "strategic role in market disruption, and identifying, establishing and cultivating new external marketplace partners to meet the needs of customers" in the newly-created role.

She said it was "time for a new challenge".

Microsoft has appointed enterprise and partner group director Steven Worrall as its new Australian managing director. He will start his new role on January 1 next year, and Marlow will stay to help with the transition throughout that month.

"I leave the Australian business in excellent shape and I know that Steven will be a great and impactful leader," Marlow said in a statement.

Suncorp CEO Michael Cameron said Marlow would bring "a wealth of international experience and a strong track record of delivery."

"Her strong leadership will be pivotal to the success of our marketplace, our third party relationships and the delivery of our customer strategy," he said.