Chair, Industrial Strategy Advisory Council

Clare Barclay

Biography

Clare Barclay is President of Enterprise and Industry EMEA at Microsoft, appointed in November 2024. Prior to this Clare spent 4 years as CEO of Microsoft UK, leading through a period of significant transformation and growth. She is responsible for driving Microsoft’s growth ambitions and driving AI industry innovation across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

With nearly 3 decades in industry, Clare has held a range of senior leadership roles with experience across all aspects of the business, including partnerships to unlock opportunity across industries and empowering small and medium-sized businesses. She has driven significant transformational change for Microsoft and is passionate about the importance of skills and helping young people thrive in tech careers across industries.

Chair, Industrial Strategy Advisory Council

The chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC) shapes the strategic direction of the council, ensuring its work supports the objectives of the industrial strategy. Their leadership guides the council in providing independent, evidence-based recommendations that directly inform government policy.

The chair is also the main contact point between the council and HM Government, working closely with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

Industrial Strategy Advisory Council