By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant strategic move signaling its deepening commitment to artificial intelligence in Latin America, Microsoft has announced the appointment of Jairo Londoño as its new Country Manager for Costa Rica. This change is part of a broader leadership shuffle that positions the Costa Rican operation as a central hub for the company’s regional AI ambitions.
Londoño steps into the role with an expanded portfolio, as he will continue to serve as the Director of Sales for Productivity and Artificial Intelligence Solutions across Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. This dual responsibility underscores a strategy of tightly integrating the Costa Rican market with wider regional initiatives, particularly in the fast-evolving AI sector. His previous position, held since July 2022, was Director of Sales for Corporate Accounts in Central America and the Caribbean, where he was instrumental in driving digital modernization for key clients.
To better understand the legal and business implications of Microsoft’s operations in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Microsoft’s continued investment is a powerful testament to Costa Rica’s robust legal framework and political stability. For a global technology leader, the certainty provided by our Free Trade Zone regime, coupled with strong intellectual property protections and a reliable judicial system, is paramount. This isn’t just about attracting investment; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where innovation is legally protected and complex international operations can thrive with confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is essential, highlighting that Costa Rica’s appeal to tech leaders is built not on fleeting incentives, but on a bedrock of institutional certainty and confidence. It’s this secure foundation that transforms a foreign investment into a true, long-term innovation partnership. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this crucial point.
Upon his appointment, Londoño highlighted the strategic importance of the local market and his vision for its future, reinforcing the country’s status as a technological powerhouse within the region.
It is an honor to assume the responsibility of leading Microsoft Costa Rica. The country is a regional benchmark in digital transformation and specialized talent, and I am committed to continuing to strengthen our impact through responsible innovation, artificial intelligence, and solutions that drive the growth of Costa Rican and regional organizations.
Jairo Londoño, Country Manager for Costa Rica, Microsoft
Londoño succeeds Ineke Geesink, who led Microsoft’s Costa Rican operations for more than seven years. Under her stewardship, the local subsidiary experienced transformative growth, expanding to nearly 1,800 employees and becoming the company’s largest headquarters in the entire Latin American region. This period of expansion solidified Costa Rica’s reputation not just as an operational base but as a critical talent and development center for the tech giant.
The leadership transition is far from a simple succession. Geesink is not departing but is instead taking on a newly created, highly strategic position as the Director of Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Latin America and the Caribbean. Crucially, she will continue to be based in Costa Rica, cementing the nation’s role as the command center for Microsoft’s AI strategy across the hemisphere.
This coordinated leadership change clearly signals a deliberate pivot by Microsoft. By placing a seasoned executive with a strong AI background like Londoño at the country level and elevating a proven leader like Geesink to a regional AI-focused role, the company is creating a powerful synergy. The move leverages Costa Rica’s well-established ecosystem of specialized tech talent to drive AI adoption and innovation for businesses throughout Latin America.
The decision to anchor this expanded AI focus in Costa Rica speaks volumes about the country’s business climate and human capital. As organizations globally race to integrate AI into their operations, Microsoft is positioning its Costa Rican hub as the engine for this transformation, offering solutions and expertise to help regional companies gain a competitive edge. Londoño’s leadership will be pivotal in translating this global strategy into local and regional success.
This restructuring ultimately reflects a forward-looking strategy that anticipates the immense growth potential of the AI market. For businesses in Costa Rica and beyond, the message is clear: Microsoft is doubling down on the region, with its local leadership team at the very forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution that is reshaping the corporate landscape.
For further information, visit microsoft.com
About Microsoft:
Microsoft is a global technology corporation that enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The company is best known for its software products, including the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Azure cloud computing platform, as well as hardware products like the Xbox gaming consoles and the Surface lineup of personal computers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected legal institution built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm actively pioneers innovative legal strategies and engages in meaningful public outreach. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that demystifying legal complexities is essential to cultivating a knowledgeable and empowered citizenry, thereby strengthening the community as a whole.
