IBM is at an inflection point in AI, and data platforms are becoming the foundation of every enterprise AI architecture. We are hiring a senior leader to define and execute IBM’s AI data platform partnership strategy across the data ecosystem, including lakehouse platforms, data providers, vector databases, governance platforms, and data pipeline technologies.
This is not an alliance management role. This is an executive builder role responsible for shaping IBM’s data ecosystem strategy for AI, originating strategic partnerships, and turning those partnerships into integrated solutions and revenue.
You will operate at the intersection of AI platforms, data architecture, and enterprise partnerships, working directly with executive leadership, product teams, and strategic partners to define how IBM wins in the AI data stack.
This role effectively owns IBM’s data ecosystem strategy for AI — defining where IBM integrates, partners, and builds across the AI data stack.
– Define IBM’s partnership strategy for the AI data platform ecosystem, including lakehouse platforms, data providers, vector databases, governance platforms, and data pipeline technologies
– Establish IBM’s point of view on the future AI data architecture (lakehouse, Iceberg/open table formats, vector retrieval, hybrid data access, AI data pipelines)
– Determine where IBM should partner, integrate, compete, or build across the AI data stack
– Develop decision criteria for which data platform partners IBM should pursue, scale, monitor, or walk away from
– Advise senior leadership on platform shifts across the data ecosystem and how they influence IBM’s long-term AI and platform strategy
– Own strategic relationships across key data platform ecosystem partners
– Source and develop strategic partnerships across the AI data platform ecosystem
– Structure complex, multi-year commercial and technical partnerships with data platform companies
– Lead partner evaluation across technical architecture, ecosystem traction, market position, and strategic fit
– Negotiate partnerships that include integrations, joint solutions, GTM alignment, and revenue commitments
– Drive deep platform integrations between IBM AI platforms and partner data platforms
– Be comfortable saying no — not every data platform should be a strategic partner
– Turn data platform partnerships into measurable revenue through joint solutions and solution-led GTM motions
– Work with sales to build plays combining IBM AI platforms with partner data platforms and data providers
– Lead cross-functional execution across product, sales, marketing, legal, finance, and communications
– Ensure partnerships result in real integrations, customer adoption, pipeline, and revenue
– Track revenue, pipeline, and adoption tied to strategic data platform partnerships
– Deliver market-ready solutions built on IBM + partner data platforms
– Build credibility with C-suite stakeholders inside and outside IBM across AI, data, and platform strategy
– Influence IBM product and platform roadmaps based on ecosystem strategy and partner capabilities
– Represent IBM’s AI data ecosystem strategy to partners, executives, and customers
– Frame complex platform and partnership decisions clearly, balancing long-term strategy with execution
– Translate ecosystem strategy into guidance that shapes product roadmaps, partnership priorities, and GTM motions without requiring line authority
We are looking for a strategic leader who combines technical fluency in AI and data platforms with the ability to structure partnerships, drive revenue through GTM execution, and influence platform strategy across a large organization.
The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in ambiguous and fast-moving markets, understands how AI architectures are built on modern data platforms, and has experience building and scaling strategic partnerships that translate into real products, integrations, and revenue.
This role requires strong judgment, executive presence, technical credibility, and the ability to work across product, sales, engineering, and executive leadership teams.
– 10+ years of experience in AI partnerships, data platforms, cloud ecosystems, strategic alliances, or corporate strategy within enterprise technology
– Deep understanding of the AI and data platform ecosystem
– Strong familiarity with modern data architectures, including lakehouse platforms, open table formats, data pipelines, vector databases, and data architectures used to support AI and machine learning workloads
– Proven track record originating and closing strategic partnerships and complex commercial agreements
– Experience turning partnerships into revenue through solution-led GTM execution
– Strong analytical rigor and strategic thinking
– Ability to engage credibly with engineers, product teams, and technical founders while also operating at the executive level
– Experience influencing product roadmaps, platform strategy, or ecosystem strategy
– Exceptional communication and executive presence
– Ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-moving markets and make high-judgment decisions
– Experience working with or partnering with data platforms such as lakehouse platforms, data providers, or AI data infrastructure companies
– Experience with hybrid and multi-cloud data architectures
– Experience with AI/ML platforms, data pipelines, or developer ecosystems
– Experience building ecosystem strategies for platforms or marketplaces
– Experience in enterprise software, cloud platforms, or AI infrastructure companies
– MBA or equivalent strategic and business experience
– Experience working across product, engineering, and sales organizations to bring integrated solutions to market