Microsoft has hired Ray Fakhoury III as its new director of global energy and sustainability policy.

Fakhoury joined from Amazon Web Services, where he spent almost three years as its manager of energy policy.

Fakhoury previously held senior management roles at Pattern Energy Group and Advanced Energy Economy.

Reflecting on the move, Fakhoury said on LinkedIn: “Last Thursday, I logged in for my last 'Day One' with Amazon Web Services (AWS), closing the chapter on an experience of a lifetime. Starting in October, I'll be joining Microsoft as the Director of Global Energy and Sustainability Policy.”

Microsoft has been a leader in sustainability initiatives within the data center industry. It has signed the most carbon removal deals in the sector and still leads the way, despite announcing earlier this year that it would “adjust the pace or volume of our carbon removal procurement as we continue to refine our approach toward sustainability goals.”

Following this, in June, the company claimed that it achieved water positivity across its operations, five years ahead of its 2030 goal.