Avanade, the leading Microsoft solution provider, announced today the appointment of Rodrigo Caserta as CEO, effective September 1. Caserta succeeds Pamela Maynard, who will step down at the end of August to join Microsoft as Chief AI Transformation Officer for Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS).

“I am excited to see Rodrigo, a longtime Avanade leader, become CEO,” said Karthik Narain, Avanade Board Chair and group chief executive, Accenture Technology. “With enterprise and mid-market expertise, and a deep understanding of our clients and commitment to our people, he is the right person to lead Avanade as we expand market share. I thank Pam for her leadership, doubling our business and leading a cultural transformation focused on inclusion, diversity and well-being, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her in her new role at Microsoft.” 

Caserta, currently Avanade’s Global Technology Business Group Lead, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success that will further extend Avanade’s leading position in the Microsoft Services sector. Since joining Avanade nearly a decade ago, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to fostering a people-first, client-focused culture. As General Manager of Brazil and later as President of Growth Markets, Caserta led significant growth in both revenue and headcount across Avanade’s APAC and Latin America regions, consistently outpacing the market. A native of Brazil, he recently moved from Singapore to the U.S. with his family. 

“It’s an honor to follow in Pam’s footsteps, who brought me into Avanade nearly a decade ago. The wisdom I’ve gained from her is invaluable, and it’s a privilege to uphold her legacy as Avanade’s next CEO,” Caserta said. “In an era marked by complex challenges, fierce competition, and the imperative to capitalize on AI, our clients have consistently found a trusted partner in Avanade. I am excited and look forward to this opportunity to lead, guided by our deep expertise, bold ambitions and a spirit of collaboration.” 

As Maynard steps down as CEO, she will transition to her new role at Microsoft, where she will spearhead AI transformation for MCAPS.

Judson Althoff, Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft, said, “We are excited to welcome Pamela to Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions as our first Chief AI Transformation Officer, where she will leverage Microsoft’s AI portfolio to drive our internal transformation and work directly with customers to accelerate theirs. For nearly a decade, Microsoft and Avanade have been at the forefront of AI innovation, with both Pam and Rodrigo playing a critical role in advancing our progress. I look forward to this new chapter, confident in their leadership and expertise, as we further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Microsoft and Avanade and pioneer new advancements in our industry.” 

Pamela Maynard expressed, "After 16 remarkable years at Avanade, now is the right time to transition to new leadership and Rodrigo is the perfect choice for our next CEO. Reflecting on my five-year tenure as CEO, I am proud of what we’ve achieved as an organization. We’ve solidified Avanade’s position as the preeminent leader in the Microsoft ecosystem, consistently earning recognition from industry analysts, market leaders, and Microsoft itself. And our workplace culture, celebrated by Newsweek, Glassdoor, and more, is a clear reflection of our deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, and well-being.  As AI continues to transform the industry, I am excited to have the opportunity and grateful for the confidence Microsoft's leadership has in me to lead critical work in my new role.”