Singapore – AI cloud provider Nebius (NASDAQ: NBIS) is rapidly expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling a significant move to capitalize on the growing demand for purpose-built AI infrastructure. The company announced on March 13, 2026, that it is appointing a new General Manager for Asia-Pacific and Japan, John Haarer, to lead commercial growth across key markets including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and India. This expansion follows a remarkable 479% revenue increase in 2025, demonstrating Nebius’s trajectory as a leading player in the AI cloud space.
The move underscores the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region as a hub for AI innovation, and deployment. Nebius aims to address the rising necessitate for specialized infrastructure capable of supporting the complex demands of artificial intelligence applications. With a current contract backlog exceeding $20 billion, including multi-year AI infrastructure agreements with major players like Microsoft and Meta, Nebius is positioning itself to become a critical enabler of AI advancements throughout the region. The company currently holds $3.7 billion in cash and is targeting an annualized run rate of $7 billion to $9 billion by the complete of 2026, according to the company’s announcement.
New Leadership for Regional Expansion
John Haarer brings over a decade of experience driving proceed-to-market strategies in the Asia-Pacific region for prominent technology companies, including Cloudflare and Twilio. He will be based in Singapore and report directly to Marc Boroditsky, Nebius’s Chief Revenue Officer. Boroditsky emphasized that Haarer’s appointment reinforces Nebius’s commitment to the region, stating that the company has already taken initial steps into Asian markets, securing early customers and establishing a foundation for rapid growth. Nebius highlighted the accelerating demand for purpose-built AI infrastructure as a key driver for this expansion.
Strong Growth and Market Position
Nebius’s impressive 479% revenue growth in 2025 positions it as one of the fastest-growing AI cloud companies globally. The company’s success is fueled by a growing customer base, ranging from AI-native startups to large enterprises. Haarer himself expressed enthusiasm about joining Nebius, describing Asia as “one of the world’s most exciting regions for AI” and Nebius as “the cloud that is powering the next wave of AI innovation.” He added that he looks forward to helping partners, customers, and governments navigate the challenges of AI adoption and unlock its economic potential. CRN Asia reported on the appointment and expansion plans.
The company’s expansion strategy focuses on key markets within the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and India. These countries represent significant opportunities for AI adoption and growth, driven by factors such as increasing digital transformation initiatives, government support for AI development, and a growing pool of skilled AI talent.
Looking Ahead
Nebius’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region marks a pivotal moment for the company, transitioning from initial market entry to a phase of substantial commercial expansion. The appointment of John Haarer signals a strong commitment to the region and a strategic focus on capturing the growing demand for AI infrastructure. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Nebius is poised to play a key role in enabling innovation and driving economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s success will likely depend on its ability to effectively navigate the diverse market dynamics and build strong partnerships within the region.
What impact will Nebius’s expansion have on the competitive landscape of the AI cloud market in Asia-Pacific? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
