Dan Russi is a trailblazing executive with over 50 years of experience at the intersection of technology, operations, and leadership. Renowned for his ability to transform organizations and drive sustainable growth, Dan has made a profound impact across high-tech, manufacturing, SaaS/Cloud industries, and beyond. A strategic thinker with a knack for operationalizing chaos, he thrives on solving complex business challenges and building high-performing teams. His career is defined by a relentless commitment to excellence, innovation, and people-first leadership.
Dan’s journey began with a strong academic foundation, earning an MBA in Finance and Information Systems from the University of Rochester and a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Syracuse University. This unique blend of technical and business expertise provided him with the tools to excel in diverse roles and industries. From managing global IT infrastructures to leading customer-centric transformations, Dan’s career is a testament to his adaptability, ingenuity, and results-driven approach.
At Tradeshift, Dan served as the SVP of Buyer and Seller Success and CIO, where he oversaw global after-sale operations, including customer success, global support, professional services, and seller subscriptions. His dual role also involved leading internal IT and business systems. Dan was responsible for driving SaaS renewals and seller subscription revenue, demonstrating his ability to align technology with business outcomes. His tenure at Tradeshift epitomized his expertise in operational discipline, strategic planning, and fostering customer satisfaction.
Prior to Tradeshift, Dan held pivotal leadership roles at SAP Ariba, Saba Software, Avetta, and the University of California, where he led transformative initiatives across enterprise IT, customer operations, and professional services. At SAP Ariba, he managed a global team of 350 employees and oversaw software maintenance revenue exceeding $65 million annually. His leadership at Saba Software involved managing one-third of the company’s revenue, while also driving customer support and hosting operations. These roles exemplify Dan’s ability to lead large-scale operations while maintaining a focus on customer experience and financial performance.
Dan’s impact extends beyond his professional achievements. As a global leader, he has engaged with businesses across Europe, South America, and Asia, gaining invaluable international exposure and cultural insight. This global perspective has enabled him to navigate complex business environments and build meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders. His expertise in information security, privacy frameworks (WebTrust, PCI, SOC, Safe Harbor), and enterprise IT further enhances his value as a leader who can address both technical and strategic challenges.
What truly sets Dan apart is his people-first approach to leadership. A passionate mentor and coach, he has consistently focused on talent development and team empowerment throughout his career. Whether leading cross-functional teams, negotiating complex contracts, or presenting to boards, Dan’s interpersonal skills and communication style inspire trust, collaboration, and results. His leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning, making him a beloved leader and mentor.
Dan’s dedication to causes such as Children, Economic Empowerment, Education, and Environment reflects his deep-seated values and desire to give back. His involvement with nonprofit organizations, including the Indiana Youth Hockey Association, showcases his commitment to community engagement and teamwork. On a personal level, Dan enjoys remodeling homes and hands-on projects—a hobby that mirrors his problem-solving mindset and passion for creating lasting value.
As a thought leader, Dan has spoken at customer events and universities on topics such as payroll, operations, and customer satisfaction, sharing insights gained from decades of experience. His ability to distill complex ideas into actionable strategies has made him a sought-after speaker and advisor. Despite his extensive achievements, Dan remains grounded, attributing his success to the principles of hard work, curiosity, and a commitment to enjoying every day.
At the heart of Dan’s career is a belief in the power of operational excellence to drive innovation and growth. His ability to transform chaos into streamlined operations has not only saved organizations millions but also empowered them to thrive in competitive markets. Whether leading startups through rapid scaling or guiding multinational corporations through digital transformations, Dan’s leadership is synonymous with vision, strategy, and execution.
Character:
Dan embodies integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to empowering others, both personally and professionally. His values-driven approach to leadership fosters trust, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Knowledge:
With a rich background in SaaS, cloud computing, enterprise IT, and customer operations, Dan combines technical expertise with a strategic mindset. His ability to navigate complex systems and drive innovation makes him a trusted leader in dynamic industries.
Strategic:
Dan excels at aligning technology and operations with organizational objectives to drive sustainable growth and transformation. His visionary leadership enables him to create order from chaos, delivering measurable results in competitive markets.
Communication:
Known for his clear, impactful communication, Dan bridges gaps between teams, stakeholders, and executives with ease. His ability to inspire and align diverse groups ensures shared understanding and collaborative success.
