Lee Riesterer is a seasoned executive and accomplished entrepreneur with over 40 years of leadership experience in IT, software, and digital innovation. As the Founder and CEO of GRAYROCK Digital, Lee has dedicated his career to helping organizations unlock their potential, exceed profitability targets, and navigate the complexities of the digital world. His reputation for building trust and fostering long-term client relationships has made him a sought-after leader in the tech industry.
Lee’s career began as a co-founder of a high-frequency switching power supply design and manufacturing company, where his entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise set the foundation for his future success. After a successful exit, he joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and quickly rose through the ranks to lead the North American Solutions Business Team. During his tenure, Lee spearheaded enterprise integration solutions for aerospace and high-tech giants like Boeing, United Technologies, and Lockheed Martin, leveraging innovative toolkits such as DEC’s PDES/STEP and DEC MessageQ.
Over the years, Lee has held critical leadership roles in prominent enterprise software and services companies. At D. Appleton Company (DACOM), he established and led the firm’s first commercial Strategy and Business Process Reengineering (BPR) Practice, resulting in transformative client outcomes, including the Harvard Business School Case #9-397-074: Southwire – Beyond 2000. His tenure at CDC Software was marked by a successful IPO on NASDAQ (Ticker: CDCS), where he served as Global Senior Vice President of Professional Services and later as President of CDC Supply Chain.
Lee’s experience at SAP as Global Vice President within the Ecosystems & Channels organization underscored his expertise in forming strategic partnerships and expanding markets globally. His role as Chief Strategy Officer at McFadyen Digital further demonstrated his ability to drive strategy development and business model innovation for global brands.
In 2019, Lee founded GRAYROCK Digital, a consulting firm dedicated to helping clients achieve growth and profitability through tailored strategies and innovative solutions. GRAYROCK Digital stands as a testament to Lee’s vision of empowering businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lee has a passion for mentoring future leaders. He serves as a mentor at Georgia Tech VentureLab, guiding startups based on Georgia Tech research and fostering innovation through evidence-based entrepreneurship. His dedication to fostering entrepreneurial success reflects his belief in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Lee is also active in community initiatives, having served as a council member of the Atlanta CEO Council, where he supported entrepreneurship, investment, and community development. The Council became a hub for innovative ideas and launched the now-renowned Venture Atlanta program, generating nearly $1 billion in investments.
Lee’s expertise spans a wide array of industries, including retail, manufacturing, high tech, aerospace, financial services, and professional services. His leadership has been endorsed by industry peers, highlighting skills in enterprise software, SaaS, CRM, professional services, and strategic partnerships. His ability to integrate technology, strategy, and leadership makes him an invaluable asset to organizations seeking to achieve transformative growth.
With a business administration and political science background from Binghamton University, Lee’s educational foundation complements his hands-on approach to leadership. His commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with industry trends underscores his adaptability and relevance in an ever-changing business environment.
Lee’s professional journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, and a passion for empowering businesses and communities. His contributions to the tech industry and his ability to inspire others make him a visionary leader poised to leave a lasting legacy.
Character:
Lee Riesterer exemplifies integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic, consistently building trust with clients and colleagues. His dedication to fostering meaningful relationships and driving impactful change reflects his commitment to excellence and ethical leadership.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of experience, Lee possesses deep expertise in IT, software, and business strategy, making him a trusted authority across diverse industries. His ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to complex challenges highlights his technical acumen and industry insight.
Strategic:
Lee excels in creating and executing comprehensive strategies that enable organizations to achieve transformative growth and exceed profitability targets. His visionary approach to market expansion, operational efficiency, and partnership development underscores his exceptional strategic leadership.
Communication:
An effective communicator, Lee fosters collaboration, inspires teams, and builds strong networks through clear and persuasive messaging. His ability to convey complex ideas simply and authentically makes him a trusted advisor, mentor, and leader.
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