Chuks Okpaka

Research Councillor, Wheeler Institute

Mr. Chuks Okpaka is the Azure Business Group Lead for Azure in Microsoft Africa Subsidiary Area. In this role, Chuks is the strategic subject leader for the Azure business in Africa. He is responsible for planning and executing of the Azure ecosystem go-to-market in the region. Ensuring the monumental Azure market penetration through strategic plan development and execution is his core responsibility. Chuks is responsible for ensuring seamless decision-making across the business, adherence to governance, as well as marketing planning.

Chuks joined Microsoft Corporation from Dorben Polytechnic where he spent 2 years lecturing courses on Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Data Structures and Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Expert Systems, and Professional Issues in Computing. Chuks enjoys teaching and inspiring people on current trends and technological direction.

Prior to joining the academia, Chuks held several positions in the IT industry, and he spent 20 years with Hewlett Packard Nigeria where his last held position was the Country Managing Director responsible for Anglo West Africa. His IT experience domain covers new product introduction, account management, pre-sales technical support, channel management, as well as enterprise product business unit management. And his industry experience spans Financial Services, Public/Government, Oil and Gas, Telecommunications, as well as SMB sectors.

Chuks holds a B.Sc. degree in Mathematics/Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt and two master’s degrees—M.Sc. in Information Systems Management from University of Liverpool, UK, and MPhil in Management – Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University, USA.

Chuks has established himself as a transformational leader with the ability to clearly define his mission and goals while being able to align people and resources so they can deliver extraordinary business results. As an erudite researcher and doctoral student, he enjoys research and mentoring. He spends a lot of time helping younger people to discover their passion while encouraging them to exploit the opportunity each day presents. His daily work at Microsoft entails orchestrating internal and external motions aimed at helping organizations to adopt Information Technology as a business enabler, thus helping organizations embark on their digital transformation journey with ease.