(Yicai Global) July 27 -- Microsoft has promoted Dr. Zhou Lidong, distinguished scientist and executive vice president at Microsoft Research Asia, to president of the US software developer’s Asia-Pacific research arm.

Zhou, who joined Microsoft in 2002, will be responsible for research work in Beijing and Shanghai as well as collaboration between academic and industry circles in China and the Asia Pacific, Microsoft announced via its WeChat account today.

Zhou has not only made remarkable achievements in the field of system research, but also has extensive experience in innovation management and personnel training, outgoing president Dr. Hong Xiaowen said.

Zhou is a leading expert in the field of systems research. Over the years, he has presided over the design and development of systems that support Microsoft’s key services from search engines, big data infrastructure, cloud reliability and availability to artificial intelligence infrastructure, Microsoft said.

Hong will now serve as corporate vice president of Microsoft and chairman of Microsoft Asia-Pacific R&D Group, responsible for promoting the overall layout of strategic research and development and innovation ecosystem construction in the region, the company said.

Editor: Peter Thomas