# Databricks Bets Big on Asia — Simon Davies Takes the Helm as APJ Chief Amid 85% Growth Surge

URL: https://technosports.co.in/databricks-bets-big-on-asia-simon-davies/  
Published: 2026-04-20  
Updated: 2026-04-20  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Databricks is making its boldest move yet in Asia Pacific & Japan — and it’s bringing in a seasoned heavyweight to lead the charge. The Data and AI company has appointed **Simon Davies** as Senior Vice President and General Manager for APJ, signalling serious intent in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets.

## Who Is Simon Davies?

Simon is no stranger to scaling enterprise tech businesses across Asia. With over **30 years of experience**, he has held senior leadership roles at some of the biggest names in the industry.

| Company | Role |
| --- | --- |
| SAP | Regional President, Asia Pacific |
| Splunk | SVP & General Manager |
| Microsoft | Senior Leadership |
| Salesforce | Senior Leadership |
| Oracle | Senior Leadership |

Most recently at SAP, Simon oversaw strategy, sales, services, and profitability across the entire APJ region. He is also a member of the **Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD)** and advises CEOs and boards of high-growth tech companies on APJ market entry.

![Databricks](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1776672255079_Headshot-Simon-Davies-SVP-and-GM-for-APJ-Databricks-683x1024.jpg)

## Why This Appointment Matters?

Databricks’ APJ business isn’t just growing — it’s accelerating. The region clocked **over 85% year-over-year growth in Q4**, making it one of the company’s fastest-growing globally. To match that momentum, Databricks is quadrupling its Singapore headquarters footprint with a brand-new **32,000-square-foot office at IOI Central Boulevard Towers**, set to open later this year.

The company now employs **more than 1,500 people across APJ** — and the roster of enterprise customers keeps expanding. New additions include Singapore Customs, Samsung Life Insurance, and SingTel, joining established names like Atlassian, LG Electronics, National Australia Bank, and Toyota.

> *“The opportunity ahead is significant, and I look forward to working with our teams, customers, and partners to accelerate that momentum.”* — Simon Davies, SVP & GM APJ, Databricks

## What Databricks Is Bringing to APJ?

Simon will oversee markets spanning **Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, India, Japan, Korea, and Greater China** — a massive mandate backed by Databricks’ rapidly expanding product suite. Key offerings driving regional growth include:

- **Lakebase** — a serverless Postgres database purpose-built for [AI agents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_agent)
- **Genie** — an AI agent that lets any employee chat with company data and get instant, trusted answers

Industries leading adoption across APJ include financial services, telecommunications, and the public sector — three sectors where data unification can deliver the fastest, most measurable business impact.

As Ron Gabrisko, Chief Revenue Officer at Databricks, put it: *“His leadership will be instrumental in unlocking the next phase of growth for one of our fastest-growing regions.”*

## What This Means for the Region?

APJ is no longer a secondary market for global tech players — it’s a primary growth engine. Databricks’ aggressive investment in headcount, office infrastructure, and leadership signals that the [Data and AI](https://technosports.co.in/category/technology/) revolution is well and truly arriving in Asia. For enterprises in the region, this kind of hyperlocal commitment from a platform trusted by over 60% of the Fortune 500 is a significant vote of confidence.

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## FAQs

### **Q: Who is Simon Davies and why has Databricks appointed him for APJ?**

Simon Davies is a 30-year enterprise tech veteran, formerly Regional President at SAP, appointed to lead Databricks’ fastest-growing region amid 85% YoY Q4 growth.

### **Q: How big is Databricks’ presence in Asia Pacific & Japan right now?**

Databricks employs over 1,500 people across APJ and is moving into a new 32,000-sq-ft Singapore HQ, quadrupling its existing footprint.