Mirna Arif’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, she has proven herself as a trailblazer in the technology industry, shattering glass ceilings along the way. With more than 22 years of experience across multinational organizations and public sector entities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Mirna’s career has been defined by her commitment to driving change and empowering others, especially the youth.
In a male-dominated industry, Arif has emerged as a symbol of strength, leadership, and perseverance. She is not only the first woman to assume the prestigious role of General Manager at Microsoft Egypt but also one of the most influential businesswomen in the region. In 2024 and 2025, she was recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the 100 most powerful businesswomen, a testament to her impactful leadership and relentless drive.
Empathy-Based Leadership: A Visionary Approach to Management
Mirna Arif’s leadership philosophy centers on empathy-based management, which has been a driving force in her career. She strongly believes in understanding people and their motivations, something that has shaped the way she manages teams and leads projects. This approach is not only rare but also revolutionary in the tech industry, where leadership is often associated with authoritative or distant management styles.
For Arif, empathy allows her to connect with her employees on a deeper level, foster collaboration, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. This leadership style has been a cornerstone of her success at Microsoft Egypt, where she leads the country’s digital transformation efforts, working with both public and private organizations to help them embrace the digital economy.
A Strong Advocate for Youth Development
As an advocate for youth empowerment, Mirna Arif has consistently focused on providing young people with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital world. She has been involved in several initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and the evolving demands of the tech industry. Arif believes that preparing youth for the future of work is crucial for the growth of Egypt’s economy, and she has dedicated much of her career to creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Through her work at Microsoft, Arif has expanded the company’s digital footprint across Egypt, empowering organizations to transition into the digital age. This includes initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy, fostering innovation, and building sustainable tech-driven economies.
From Schlumberger to GE Oil & Gas to Microsoft: A Career Defined by Digital Transformation
Mirna Arif spent the first 12 years of her career in Schlumberger before taking on the role of Microsoft Egypt’s General Manager in 2020, Mirna Arif held significant positions across various organizations that shaped her expertise in digital transformation. From 2017 to 2019, she served as the Regional Director for Digital Transformation at GE Oil & Gas, where she directed the company’s strategy in North Africa and Turkey. Her role was pivotal in leading efforts to modernize industrial operations and integrate digital solutions across multiple sectors.
Arif’s journey into the tech space was also marked by her leadership at Emerson Automation Solutions, where she was the regional manager for Rosemount Group Middle East. Her work in these roles gave her invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and industrial sectors, which she has used to drive Microsoft’s growth in Egypt and the wider region.
Public Sector Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between Government and Technology
Mirna Arif’s influence extends beyond the corporate sector. In 2015, she was appointed Assistant Minister for Investment and International Cooperation at Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. During her time in the public sector, Arif advised on the development and implementation of the petroleum sector strategy, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and influence national policy.
Her experience in both the public and private sectors has given her a unique perspective on how to drive change at a national level. Today, she continues to leverage this knowledge as she works to accelerate Egypt’s digital transformation through her role at Microsoft.
A Leading Voice in the Egyptian Tech Community
Mirna Arif’s influence is not limited to her role at Microsoft. She is deeply involved in Egypt’s tech ecosystem and plays an active role in shaping the future of digital transformation in the country. In addition to her position at Microsoft, Arif sits on the boards of several influential organizations, including the Egyptian National Council for Women, Banque Misr, Rameda Pharma, and the Knowledge Hub Education.
Arif is also a prominent figure in the digital transformation landscape, serving as the Co-Chair of the Digital Transformation Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (Amcham Egypt). Her involvement in these organizations demonstrates her commitment to advancing Egypt’s technological capabilities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
A Role Model for Women in Leadership
Arif’s success story is especially significant for women aspiring to take on leadership roles in industries where female representation is low. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for women in Egypt and the Middle East, showing that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to making a difference, it’s possible to break barriers and lead at the highest levels.
Her accomplishments are a direct result of her resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges that come with being one of the few women in leadership positions in tech, Arif has continuously proven herself capable of leading and innovating. Her example has inspired countless women to pursue careers in technology and leadership roles, challenging the traditional norms that often limit their opportunities.
Mirna Arif: A Vision for the Future of Egypt’s Digital Economy
Under Arif’s leadership, Microsoft Egypt is playing a pivotal role in the nation’s digital future. Arif’s vision for the country is one where technology drives economic growth, creates jobs, and empowers people from all walks of life to succeed. Through her initiatives, she is helping to build a thriving digital economy that will pave the way for Egypt’s future prosperity.
Her strategic efforts have led to the expansion of Microsoft’s services across multiple industries, helping organizations from the private and public sectors to adopt advanced digital tools and processes. Whether it’s through cloud computing, AI, or other cutting-edge technologies, Arif is at the forefront of Egypt’s tech revolution, and her influence continues to grow as the country moves towards a more digitally integrated future.
An Ongoing Legacy
Mirna Arif’s work is not just about what she has accomplished; it’s about the lasting impact she is making for future generations. Through her leadership, Arif has set a high standard for the intersection of technology, leadership, and social responsibility. She continues to inspire people from all backgrounds, proving that with the right mix of vision, determination, and empathy, one can create a lasting legacy that influences an entire nation.
As she looks to the future, Mirna Arif remains focused on one goal: to continue leading the digital transformation of Egypt and making technology accessible to all. With her proven track record and unwavering commitment to her country, there is no doubt that she will continue to shape Egypt’s tech landscape for years to come. Do follow her on Instagram.
