Microsoft wins over Toyota’s HR chief, Sarah Fisher

Microsoft has appointed the respected former Toyota HR chief, Sarah Fisher, to lead its UK people management department.

Fisher joins Microsoft UK as HR director in place of Dave Gartenberg, who is returning to the US.

Before joining the IT giant, Fisher was director of HR and environmental strategy at Toyota for six years.

She built a strong reputation there after successfully bringing the Japanese car maker’s people philosophy – known as the Toyota Way – to the UK.

Fisher has also worked for 16 years in the IT industry, including a stint as HR director at Siemens Business Services.

In her new role, she has been charged with building on Microsoft’s strong employer brand, and maintaining its commitment to effective recruitment and retention.

Fisher said: “Microsoft is ahead of the curve on many aspects of its HR policy, particularly in the way it manages talent and places such emphasis on individual career and personal development.

“The chance to help build on and shape this, moving forward, made this role an extremely attractive opportunity for me.”

Fisher lives in Hampshire, holds a BA in English Literature from Southampton University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Gordon Frazer, managing director at Microsoft UK, said: “Sarah is an experienced and talented director, making her well placed to develop and deliver key HR strategies for Microsoft.”