News

Telehouse launches new liquid cooling lab

Addressing the thermal challenges of today’s high-performance computing and AI workloads, Telehouse International Corporation of Europe, a global data centre service provider, has announced the launch of its liquid cooling lab following the development of strategic partnerships with four of the world’s most advanced liquid cooling technology providers. From early 2025 onwards, the four companies – Accelsius, EkkoSense, JetCool, and Legrand – will showcase their advanced cooling technologies at the new, state-of-the-art liquid cooling lab at Telehouse South, the latest addition to Telehouse’s London Docklands campus. This project will enable Telehouse customers to explore cutting-edge liquid cooling innovations and find an option that works best for their needs. Accelsius is bringing its NeuCool platform to Telehouse’s London data centre, introducing a two-phase, direct-to-chip cooling technology that uses a waterless, non-conductive refrigerant for heat removal. Removing an average heat flux of 250W/cm² and hot spot heat fluxes above 500W/cm², NeuCool offers substantial performance headroom for AI and high-performance computing. The deployment will include the Accelsius Thermal Simulation Rack, a patent-pending system with Load Simulation Sleds that replicate high-power servers, enabling users to control, monitor, and measure the impressive cooling and computational performance delivered by NeuCool technology. Telehouse clients will also have access to a live performance portal for real-time data and seamless demonstrations of the system’s capabilities. JetCool, a Flex company, will provide its SmartPlate System in the Liquid Cooling Lab - a self-contained liquid cooling product in compact 1U and 2U form factors. Requiring no piping, plumbing, or facility modifications, the SmartPlate System provides a hassle-free approach to efficient cooling. JetCool’s patented microconvective liquid cooling technology handles the highest-power CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators, cooling Superchips over 3,500W and outperforming microchannel-based designs by up to 30%, as validated by third-party testing. JetCool’s product suite extends beyond self-contained systems to integrated rack-level liquid cooling products. These incorporate JetCool’s in-rack SmartSense Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), capable of cooling up to 300kW per rack or neighbouring racks, with scalability to row-based configurations exceeding 2MW. JetCool’s flexible technology enables Telehouse tenants to choose products ranging from liquid-assisted air cooling to full-scale liquid cooling, meeting the demands of today’s high-performance computing and AI workloads. Legrand will install its USystems ColdLogikCL20 Rear Door Heat Exchanger (RDHx), supporting over 90kW capacity per cabinet. Its ColdLogik RDHx negates heat at source and removes the need for air-mixing or containment. Ambient air is drawn into the rack via the IT equipment fans, and the hot exhaust air is expelled from the equipment and pulled over the heat exchanger assisted by EC fans mounted in the RDHx chassis. The exhaust air transfers heat into the coolant within the heat exchanger, and the newly chilled air is expelled into the room at, or just below, the predetermined room ambient temperature designed around sensible cooling. Both processes are managed by the ColdLogik adaptive intelligence, using air-assisted liquid-cooling to control the whole room temperature automatically at its most efficient point. EkkoSense, a provider of AI-powered data centre optimisation software, will deploy to Telehouse's lab its innovative EkkoSim ‘what-if?’ scenario simulations; low-cost air-side and liquid-side monitoring sensors; web-based EkkoSoft Critical 3D visualisations with analytics and AI-powered advisory; and anomaly detection tools. Because the latest AI compute hardware and hybrid cooling infrastructure introduce new levels of engineering complexity, EkkoSense deploys the power of AI to capture, visualise, and analyse data centre performance. Telehouse has already deployed EkkoSense’s EkkoSoft Critical platform across its London Docklands campus, optimising data centre cooling performance. A key benefit for the Telehouse operations team has been how the EkkoSense AI-powered platform has not only improved visibility into cooling and capacity performance, but also helped to reduce the administrative burden for already busy Telehouse team members. For more from Telehouse, click here.

BAC to showcase new immersion cooling tank

Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) is to showcase its latest sustainable cooling innovations at the AHR Expo 2025 – the event for ‘everything new in HVACR’. Among the innovations at the company's stand will be the newly released immersion cooling tank, the TrilliumSeries adiabatic cooler, and the BAC’s Loop platform. BAC's brand new immersion cooling tank, which attendees will have the opportunity to see at the expo, is designed to address the growing demands of data centres. This innovative technology achieves remarkable energy efficiency, BAC says, significantly reducing overall energy consumption by 51% and cooling energy by 95% compared to traditional designs. The cooling process works through direct contact with data centre servers submerged in a dielectric fluid within immersion cooling tanks, with heat generated from servers absorbed by the fluid and transferred from the tanks to a cooling unit outside the facility to reject the heat. Once the fluid is cooled within the outdoor unit, it is then transferred back to the in-tank heat exchanger to absorb more heat. There is also no need for a chiller and virtually no maintenance. In combination with BAC’s outdoor heat rejection technologies – including cooling towers, adiabatic coolers, hybrid coolers, and dry coolers – BAC can help customers balance PUE and Water Use Effectiveness (WUE), providing options to meet site specific goals. Visitors to the BAC booth will also have a chance to explore the TrilliumSeries adiabatic cooler, showcasing BAC's commitment to water and energy efficiency. This unique adiabatic cooler is ideal for applications demanding both energy efficiency and limited water use. The TrilliumSeries cooler features a smart water management system with high-efficiency pre-cooler pads, a dual pump recirculating system for code compliance, intelligent controls for optimised operation, and up to 20% energy savings compared to alternatives. Also on display will be BAC’s innovative AI-driven Loop Platform, designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of HVAC systems. This compact yet powerful device optimises operational efficiency by continuously monitoring and adjusting for changes in environmental conditions. The Loop Platform offers real-time data analysis and performance optimisation, predictive maintenance capabilities, significant energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, and extended equipment lifespan. This year’s AHR Expo will take place from 10-12 February at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Visitors are invited to explore BAC's products at Booth 6243. For more from Baltimore Aircoil Company, click here.

New edge data centre to open in Amarillo

Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC) has announced the addition of a state-of-the-art edge data centre, constructed in partnership with Duos Edge AI, a subsidiary of Duos Technologies Group. It is expected that the facility, located in Amarillo, Texas, will transform educational and economic opportunities for the Panhandle region. The new edge data centre will provide a Tier 2 data centre with full SOC compliance which will interconnect to major carriers, while delivering fast and stable internet connectivity, empowering students with access to innovative educational tools. Furthermore, it will provide scalable IT infrastructure, enabling the ability to grow with the evolving needs of the community. The new data centre will also boost local businesses by offering enhanced connectivity and computing resources, driving economic development. Duos says that the initiative demonstrates how edge data centres can transform underserved communities, ensuring equal access and creating new opportunities for the Texas Panhandle’s students, communities and businesses. "We are thrilled to launch our first edge data centre in Amarillo, a location that will serve as a critical hub for education and economic development in the region,” comments Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “Our collaboration with Region 16 underscores our commitment to improving educational outcomes and driving economic growth in underserved areas." Duos believes that the launch of this edge data centre is a significant step toward building a connected future for rural schools and businesses. By laying the groundwork for Infrastructure 4.0, this initiative is designed to empower communities with the tools and connectivity needed to thrive in a digital age Michael Keough, Chief Technology Officer at Region 16, states, "The 60 public school districts in the rural Texas Panhandle rely on Region 16 for their educational and technological needs. Introducing edge data centres in our area is a critical step in ensuring that our students have the resources and connectivity they need to succeed. “This advancement will enable rural communities to enjoy the same level of access to educational and business opportunities as urban areas, minimising delays and enhancing the quality of service throughout the region.” To celebrate this milestone, a launch event will be held on 18 March at Region 16 ESC, located at 5800 Bell Street in Amarillo, Texas, from 9am to 1pm CT. Executives from the data centre operator and service providers enabling this project, along with representatives from the State and the Autonomy Institute, will be in attendance. Duos encourages community leaders, educators and business leaders to attend to learn about the data centre’s innovative capabilities and explore the new facility. For more from Duos Edge AI, click here.

Global data centre demand surges despite constraints

Artificial intelligence applications are rapidly expanding across industries, and the global data centre industry plays a critical role in AI adoption and advancement. To meet the exponential data centre demand, the sector will grow at a phenomenal pace in 2025. JLL’s 2025 Global Data Center Outlook explores how AI is not only driving demand but the development of more powerful and efficient data centre infrastructure that balances computing power and sustainability. Across the hyperscale and colocation segments, an estimated 10 GW is projected to break ground globally in 2025, while 7 GW will likely reach completion. Based on this current pace of under construction and planned developments, the global data centre market will likely expand at a baseline 15% CAGR through 2027 – with the potential to reach 20%. Rapid expansion brings challenges, including demand outstripping supply and electricity development constraints in some markets. The industry also faces numerous opportunities such as the emergence of new technologies providing novel pathways for sustainability. “The pace of AI innovation is not slowing down, and the data centre industry must continue to adapt,” says Jonathan Kinsey, JLL EMEA Lead and Global Chair, Data Centre Solutions. “AI’s transformative power demands have already reshaped our world, yet its most significant and enduring effect may lie in how we rise to meet the substantial energy demands required to fuel this technological revolution. The results will fundamentally reshape data centre design and operation.” Next-generation AI requirements At the core of the AI revolution is the rapid advancement in semi-conductor technology. Over the past two years, GPUs have become substantially more powerful, leading to higher rack densities ranging from 40 kW to 130 kW per rack, with future chips projected to reach an astounding 250 kW per rack. GPU innovation presents a significant hurdle: managing the heat generated by densely packed, energy-intensive GPUs. The necessity to keep this tech cooled and load variability stable, combined with new power usage effectiveness (PUE) regulations, will shift thermal management strategies toward liquid cooling as the standard for new data centre developments. In the future, immersion cooling will become commonplace as GPUs surge past 150 kW. Most new data centres are being designed to house a combination of both AI and traditional workloads. Though a significant driver, even optimistic adoption scenarios suggest that AI will represent less than 50% of data centre demand in 2030, with traditional, lower-intensity workloads like data storage and cloud-based applications comprising most of the demand. “While not every data centre is or will be a specialised AI facility, all data centres – new and existing – can benefit from more energy efficient operations and improved technology integration,” comments Andrew Green, JLL Regional Data Center Practice Lead, Asia Pacific. “Data centre operators must contend with the demand for massive power needs while satisfying the need for more energy efficient facilities. AI is transforming data centre management through predictive maintenance applications, which optimise energy usage, lead to longer lifespans for equipment and result in less downtime.” Alternative energy solutions Forecasts suggest that global data centre energy demand could double over the next five years. While data centres consume large quantities of power, they are one component of the complex global power challenge. Furthermore, data centres are expected to represent only about 2% of global electricity consumption in 2025. A variety of other factors like increasing EV adoption, machinery electrification and rising power consumption in developing countries also contribute to growing power demand. Since data centres are often clustered together in metropolitan areas, significant bottlenecks in delivering power to new developments persist in some of the largest global data centre markets like Northern Virginia, Tokyo and London. Additionally, these clusters are unevenly distributed across the globe, resulting in some countries and regions where data centres account for a considerable proportion of total electricity demand. “Data centre developers evaluate markets based on the availability of a few key aspects, including power, land, connectivity and tax incentives,” notes Andy Cvengros, JLL Co-Lead US Data Center Markets. “Scarcity is only half of the power story; transmission is the other part. The time it takes to erect transmission lines and substations to connect new data centres to the grid can be up to four years or more in some markets. Both established and emerging markets will see higher development levels in 2025, along with more developers exploring other energy solutions like natural gas and fuel cells.” Being looked at as carbon neutral, large-scale nuclear power is emerging as a preferred alternative to traditional power, particularly for AI and high-performance computing applications. Companies worldwide are developing small modular reactors (SMRs), which, while still in the early stages, could offer a modular and scalable green energy power source at a fraction of the cost of large-scale nuclear. Though commercial deployment in the US is unlikely until 2030 for a variety of reasons detailed in the report, JLL anticipates more SMR announcements this year. Record financing for data centre development Investor appetite for data centres will remain strong through 2025 due to demand for compute power and data storage, low supply due to power scarcity, attractive returns and growing excitement around AI’s potential. JLL anticipates data centre development financing will have another record year in 2025, while global data centre trading volume is likely to moderately increase in 2025. “Data centre activity has exploded over the last few years, with much of the demand geared toward single-tenant ground-up construction,” states Carl Beardsley, US Data Center Leader, JLL Capital Markets. “Significant barriers to entry exist for new investors based on the amount of capital required as well as a longer development cycle. In 2025, we expect many opportunities for core investors to recapitalise the single-tenant data centres that continue to be built.” M&A investment volume and megamergers will likely slow, but JLL expects an increase in joint ventures in 2025, particularly in developing countries as industry firms partner with regional groups to help navigate the local political, regulatory and business landscapes. Despite challenges, including supply constraints and electricity limitations in some markets, the outlook for the data centre sector remains highly favourable, JLL states. It says that the industry is poised for continued growth, driven by AI adoption, increased data processing demands and ongoing technological advancements. JLL’s team of dedicated technical experts are trained and experienced in every phase of the data centre lifecycle to help its customers scale, optimise and maintain efficiencies in their data centre strategies. For more from JLL, click here.

Frankfurt data centre meets EU taxonomy criteria

maincubes, a developer and operator of data centres in Europe, and part of the DTCP portfolio, has announced that its newly constructed FRA02 data centre in Frankfurt aligns with the EU Taxonomy standard. This milestone underscores maincubes’ commitment to stringent environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and creating long-term value for investors and clients alike. The EU Taxonomy is the classification framework to determine whether an economic activity is considered environmentally sustainable in the context of the European Green Deal. The framework sets rigorous performance standards for projects to ensure substantial contribution to climate goals, such as emissions reduction and energy efficiency. In addition, the alignment approves that a project does no significant harm (DNSH) to other environmental objectives and does not infringe on human rights. Verified by Northshore, a specialist in data centre sustainability assessments, FRA02 meets stringent criteria for energy efficiency and emissions management, bolstering its credibility and minimising risks through validated compliance with the EU Taxonomy‘s sustainability criteria. By adhering to the EU Taxonomy’s high standards, maincubes establishes with FRA02 a benchmark for sustainability and operational excellence in the data centre industry. The data centre’s innovative design and energy-efficient operations serve as a model for the industry under increasing pressure to lower emissions and improve sustainability. “Achieving EU Taxonomy alignment for FRA02 underlines our commitment to sustainability and regulatory excellence. This important milestone contributes to shaping a more sustainable future for the data centre industry, while enhancing trust and transparency for our customers and stakeholders,” says Martin Murphy, Chief Operating Officer at maincubes. For more from maincubes, click here.

PM unveils AI Opportunities Action Plan

The Prime Minister has unveiled the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, committing £14 billion in investment into ‘game-changing’ artificial intelligence and creating 13,250 jobs. The IMF estimates that AI could increase productivity across the UK by as much as 1.5 percentage points each year, if the technology is fully embraced. These gains may be worth an average of £47 billion to the UK economy every year for over a decade. As part of the plan, the government is creating new AI Growth Zones to fast-track the building of AI infrastructure, starting in Culham and Oxfordshire. These zones will speed up planning permission and generate energy connections needed to power AI. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says, “Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people. “But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side; one that won’t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.” The AI Opportunities Action Plan takes forward the 50 recommendations set out by AI expert Matt Clifford, providing the full support of the government. The plan re-enforces the UK commitment to become a global leader in AI, learning from the US and EU’s approach to lead innovation and deliver long-term stability for businesses. Sachin Agrawal, UK Managing Director for Zoho, comments, “Artificial Intelligence is already having a transformative impact on people and businesses, driving efficiencies across areas such as data analysis, fraud detection and forecasting which make a significant difference to people’s lives. The commitment to investment and support in the AI Opportunities Action Plan is hugely encouraging, demonstrating the UK’s ambition as a global AI leader and instilling confidence in businesses to turbocharge innovation. “As part of this innovation push, it is important for the UK to understand how AI regulation and data privacy continue to challenge businesses developing and implementing AI systems. In 2024, multi-agent AI emerged as a significant trend by enabling the collaboration between specialised agents to handle complex workflows in enterprise businesses where structured information and datasets are critical for context. No comprehensive frameworks have been enacted yet in the UK, although renewed commitments such as this and continued efforts indicate the growing recognition of responsible AI governance. According to our Digital Health Study, 78% of businesses have already used AI or are planning to invest heavily in the technology. “As businesses take the next steps of AI adoption, fuelled by this landmark policy, they should be guided by the government, regulators and educators under AI frameworks that promote the safe and ethical development and usage of AI systems.” The Prime Minster highlighted the transformative role that AI can play in driving public sector efficiency, saving time on admin that can be reassigned to improving public services. Speeding up planning consultations to get Britain building, faster and more accurate medical diagnoses, reducing admin for teachers, and AI analysis of camera footage to improve roads were among the examples given by the Prime Minister on the benefits the plans will provide working people. As part of the plan, the government is setting up a new team to build the UK’s sovereign capabilities and seize AI opportunities, as well as creating a new National Data Library to securely unlock the value of public data and support AI development. Andy Ward, SVP International for Absolute Security, comments, “For the AI Opportunities Action Plan to truly deliver the transformative impact we all hope, it is vital that security is at the heart of these developments to ensure that AI systems that are being developed and deployed aren’t posing dangerous security risks. There’s no doubt that AI can bring a wealth of positives to our lives, but there’s a dark side to AI with cybercriminals manipulating it as part of attacks, infiltrating IT systems and increasing the sophistication and volume of attacks.” “While the intention of becoming a global AI leader is encouraging, it requires the government, NCSC and industry to ensure that AI rollouts consider the security risks posed and put in place safeguards to provide additional business protections. Our research found that over half of CISOs feel that their security team is unprepared for evolving AI-powered threats, and 44% have gone as far as banning their employees from using AI due to the security risks. “Cyber attacks have long been a case of when, not just if, and with AI positioned to increase the threat volume, taking a proactive approach to building cyber resilience has never been more important. Security teams not only need to identify and prevent attacks, they need the capability to recover when a breach does occur, shutting off compromised systems and restoring operations quickly and securely.”

Durham University's data centre approved

Plans to build a cutting-edge data centre at the Aykley Heads business park in Durham have been given the green light, marking a significant step for Durham University and the region's technology ambitions. The facility, set to house a super-computer, data hall, and office spaces, will form a key part of the ongoing development aimed at attracting data-intensive businesses. While the university touts the project as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, concerns have been raised by local groups over the potential job losses compared to original plans for the site. Approved by Durham County Council's planning committee on Friday (10 January 2025), the data centre project represents Durham University’s commitment to bolstering its research capabilities and contributing to the regional economy. The university anticipates the facility will act as a magnet for businesses, attract highly skilled workers, and provide valuable training opportunities for local talent. However, the approval hasn't come without reservation. The City of Durham Trust and the City of Durham Parish Council have both expressed disappointment, believing the data centre’s development deviates from the original vision of the business park. The 2021 masterplan for Aykley Heads had envisioned Plot D, the site of the approved data centre, as office space potentially capable of generating hundreds of jobs. Michael Hurlow of the City of Durham Trust criticises the current proposal, stating that "it failed to deliver on the promise of a high-quality business park”, and noting that it falls below the standards expected for the area. He argues that the alternative data centre plans undermine the potential for widespread job creation anticipated with office space. The City of Durham Parish Council further emphasises the stark contrast in employment figures, as estimates suggest a data centre would bring in only seven to 15 jobs, a significant drop compared to the projected 200 to 300 jobs associated with office development. Despite these concerns, a county council spokesman acknowledged the considerable difference in job numbers but maintained that both data centre and office development were consistent with the overall masterplan for the business park. They argued that the potential loss of jobs was not a sufficient reason to deny permission for the current proposal. A Durham University spokeswoman sought to alleviate the concerns, emphasising that the broader development that the data centre is a part of would ultimately generate new employment opportunities, attract businesses to the region, and equip local workers with in-demand digital skills. The University believes the long-term benefits of the data centre for the region will outweigh the immediate job discrepancy. While the approval of the data centre represents a significant step forward for Durham’s technological infrastructure, it has also sparked a debate about the balancing act between innovation and job creation. The situation highlights the complex considerations involved in development planning and the varied perspectives of stakeholders. As the data centre project progresses, close attention will be paid to its impact on the local economy and the fulfillment of promises regarding long-term regional benefits.

Arctera named a Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant

Arctera (Veritas Technologies), a data management expert and formerly part of Veritas, has been positioned as a Leader in the inaugural Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Communications Governance and Archiving Solutions (DCGA). The report’s publication comes shortly after Arctera announced it will put renewed focus on its Data Compliance InfoScale and Backup Exec businesses, following its split from Veritas. The new Gartner report covers a landscape that Arctera believes is marked by growing multichannel and AI-powered communications, which are subjecting organisations to greater regulatory scrutiny and steep penalties for violations. To mitigate data compliance risks in this evolving landscape, organisations from the most heavily regulated industries around the world rely on information governance, eDiscovery and surveillance products from Arctera. This includes more than 70% of the world’s top financial firms. Lawrence Wong, now Chief Executive Officer at Arctera, says, “The issue of data compliance is a board-level conversation, driven by the enormous growth in data, digital and off-channel communications and the rise of generative AI. The complexity of compliance challenges is increasing and so are the stakes. Arctera understands this well. We view Arctera’s (Veritas Technologies’) position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for DCGA as a testament to the strength of our portfolio and proven expertise in helping organisations simplify compliance. “Our data compliance business has consistently been an industry leader. With the opportunity to put the spotlight even more on compliance within Arctera, we intend to extend our position and bring even greater value to our customers.” Tom Lounsbury, Director of Business Development at Bluesource, notes, “When our customers are evaluating compliance solutions, they want the confidence that comes from working with a specialist like Bluesource, deploying a solution from an industry leader like Arctera. When it comes to compliance, organisations want to trust that technology is at the forefront of innovation, using the most advanced tools to ensure that they meet even the strictest of regulatory standards.” Arctera Data Compliance offerings are available across all operational models, including on-premises, self-managed and SaaS. Visit arctera.io on 13 January 2025 to download a complimentary copy of the full Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Communications Governance and Archiving Solutions.

KETS Quantum Security reacts to Salt Typhoon cyber attacks

On the back of the Salt Typhoon cyber attacks, Chris Erven, CEO & Co-Founder of KETS Quantum Security, comments on the potential threat of China developing a quantum computer and the danger for telecommunications companies. Chris takes up the story: “This is a fully global threat. Every single telco should be considering their cyber defences in the wake of the Salt Typhoon attacks. “China is making some of the largest investments in quantum computing, pumping in billions of dollars into research and development in the hope of being the first to create a large-scale, cryptographically relevant machine. And although they may be a few years away from being fully operational, we know a quantum computer will be capable of breaking all traditional cyber defences we currently use. So they, and others, are actively harvesting now, to decrypt later. “Telcos are particularly vulnerable since they provide the communication services for major enterprises and many governments, so these organisations should be the first to upgrade to quantum-safe methods, including a defence in depth approach with quantum key distribution and post quantum algorithms. “Adding to the danger, many telcos are moving to software-defined networks which use software-based controllers to manage the underlying network infrastructure rather than dedicated and more restricted hardware devices. This makes them particularly vulnerable because if an adversary gets into the management plane of a telco's SDN, they will have complete control of that network; whereas in the past, the access would have been much more limited. We really are talking about taking down the UK’s national telecommunications network. “Despite warning bells being raised for the last decade, Q Day is rapidly approaching, and telcos have to prepare now to avoid a catastrophic data breach. Thankfully, telcos - like BT and SK Telecom - are actively working to upgrade their systems to make them quantum-safe in the future. However, this transition needs to happen even quicker, and the Salt Typhoon attacks serve as a timely reminder that robust cyber defences are not a ‘nice to have’ - they are essential to protecting our way of living.”

Google Cloud appoints new regional Vice President

Google Cloud has announced the appointment of Maureen Costello as Vice President, United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI) and Sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, Maureen will oversee the company's sales strategy and operations across both regions. Maureen brings nearly three decades of industry experience to Google Cloud, having previously served as Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery at Microsoft. Prior to her role at Microsoft, she held several leadership positions during her 25-year tenure at Accenture, including Senior Managing Director and Resources Lead for UKI. "It’s an honour to join Google Cloud at such a pivotal time in its journey," Maureen comments. "We have a tremendous opportunity to help businesses across the UKI and Sub-Saharan Africa harness the full potential of the cloud, from AI and data analytics to cyber security and sustainability. I am eager to build on the strong foundation already in place." Maureen joins Google Cloud at a key stage in its growth trajectory. The company has recently announced major relationships in the UK with organisations including BT, John Lewis & Partners, Vodafone, and WPP. In Africa, Google Cloud opened its first region in Johannesburg, South Africa, in January 2024, and has committed $1 billion to support digital transformation initiatives across the continent. "Maureen is a proven leader with an exceptional track record of driving growth and building high-performing teams," notes Tara Brady, President, EMEA, Google Cloud. "Her deep industry expertise and understanding of the unique needs of customers will be invaluable as we continue to expand Google Cloud's presence in these key markets. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Google Cloud EMEA leadership team." Google Cloud is a new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. It offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimised AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organisations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories use Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. For more from Google Cloud, click here.