Allison Watson, Microsoft

As corporate vice president of the US Marketing & Operations Group, Watson leads marketing and strategic business development for Microsoft’s largest geographic market. In this role, Watson is responsible for all marketing activities for Microsoft’s products, including Microsoft’s commercial cloud offerings.

Prior to assuming her current role in 2010, Watson spent eight years as head of the Worldwide Partner Group, directing Microsoft’s worldwide strategy for the diverse ecosystem of more than 640,000 independently owned-and-operated partner companies that support Microsoft and its customers in 170 countries.

Watson established world-class channel leadership, reinvigorated Microsoft’s partner commitment and engagement, and delivered the Microsoft Partner Network, which set new standards in the industry. Watson also brought partner satisfaction to a record high in 2010.

Watson has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. CRN named Watson one of “The Most Powerful Women of the Channel,” Channel Chief, and Channel Exec of the Year. In 2009, Business Week named Watson as one of the top people to watch to gauge the economic recovery.

Watson’s career at Microsoft, beginning in 1993, includes several successful stints in sales and marketing management. Watson was the general manager of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic sales, marketing and services group from 1998-2001.

Before joining Microsoft, Watson held sales and consulting positions in the healthcare, manufacturing and high-tech industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from San Diego State University.

 

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