Microsoft CEO touring Europe in a week of industry events and product launches

Oct 02, 2009

Steve Ballmer will be talking about Microsoft’s position as one of the most innovative companies in the world, including the launch of a research study by IDC which looks at the economic impact of Microsoft, its partners and the broader IT industry and the role they are playing in economic recovery. He’ll be talking about the importance of investment in research and development as a key driver of the kind of innovation and productivity that will help create economic opportunity throughout Europe.

During the week Microsoft will also unveil exciting new additions to Microsoft’s consumer portfolio, with key announcements in Paris and Milan.

Monday October 5 – London, UK
Steve kicks off his tour with a keynote and Q&A session at the Confederation of British Industry.

• The Microsoft UK press room can be found here

Tuesday October 6 – Paris, France
Steve will take part in a roundtable with Windows developer bloggers which will be broadcast on the Microsoft France website.

He then takes part in major Windows Mobile consumer news conference details of which will be available on the EMEA Press Centre on Tuesday 6th October. He’ll also meet with INRIA, France’s institute for research in computer science, during which he’ll outline our commitment to this research partnership.

Steve will then formally open Microsoft’s new European headquarters and the HQ of Microsoft France at Issy-les-Moulineaux just outside Paris, a state-of-the-art facility, with an opening ceremony involving CEOs, executives, media and VIPs.

• The Microsoft France press room can be found here.

Wednesday October 7 – Munich, Germany
Speaking at an industry event, IT pro’s will hear firsthand the benefits and reasons for Windows 7 and Steve will also participate in a live online interview with five consumers on MSN.de. This session will be streamed live to MSN.de.

• The Microsoft Germany press room can be found here.

Thursdays October 8 – Netherlands
During an event at The Hague Center of Congress, Steve will present the latest Microsoft innovations for business customers. He’ll also give a keynote at Erasmus University in Rotterdam to 500 students and academics, in which he’ll discuss the changing economy.

• The Microsoft Netherlands press room can be found here.

Friday October 9 – Milan, Italy
In Milan Steve will lead a news conference during which he’ll unveil an exciting new consumer partnership and take questions.

• The Microsoft Italy press room can be found here.

More information

• For more information and photography of Steve Ballmer view his homepage here.
• Steve Ballmer recently sent a memo on “The New Efficiency”, read this here.
• An article by Steve Ballmer on Forbes.com was published on Monday 5th October and outlines his perspective on Innovation and Recovery.
• Emerging Countries to Drive IT Spending: Microsoft - CNBC Europe, October 5, 2009. Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International talks to CNBC Europe about IT growth in Emerging Markets.

Microsoft EMEA Contacts

• You can get in touch with Microsoft’s EMEA PR contacts here.
• Local journalist press rooms for countries involved in Steve Ballmer’s European tour can be found at the following links: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, UK.