2023 Nominee

Gretchen O'Hara

Vice President, Worldwide Partners
& Alliances, Splunk

Previous Positions 
•   VP, US AI & Sustainability, Microsoft
•   VP, GTM Strategy One Commercial Partner,
     Microsoft
•   GM, Developer Experience & Evangelism
     Marketing, Microsoft
•   GM, Enterprise Marketing, Microsoft
•   Sr. Director, Worldwide Cloud Partner Strategy,
     Microsoft
•   Director, Worldwide Emerging Channels,
     Microsoft

With over 25 years of experience leading partner organizations at Microsoft and other leading technology companies, Gretchen O’Hara has firmly established herself as an insightful leader committed to taking channels to new heights in the cloud era.

Gretchen began her career at IBM, where she quickly made her mark establishing new server markets through creative partner engagement. Her innovative programs provided an early glimpse of her bold vision for channels.

As Microsoft expanded into new solution areas in the 1990s and 2000s, Gretchen played an instrumental role winning Fortune 100 customers through partners. Her channel programs increased Microsoft’s influence and capacity.

Gretchen then spearheaded Microsoft’s revolutionary entry into cloud services, developing innovative partner models and strategies as Director and Senior Director of Emerging Channels. Her pioneering programs laid the foundations for Microsoft’s future cloud success.

She accelerated Microsoft’s cloud transition as VP of Cloud Partner Strategy, transforming partners’ cloud capabilities. Today at Splunk, Gretchen continues to foster high-velocity partner ecosystems.

However, Gretchen’s impact extends beyond her illustrious career achievements. She is widely admired for her courage, strategic vision, and tireless drive to open new partner opportunities.

With her lifelong commitment to channel excellence, Gretchen O'Hara has more than earned her reputation as a luminary driving channel innovation in the cloud era. She richly deserves this recognition.