Michael Ashade is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in strategy, operations, and business development across various Fortune 500 companies. His career journey has been marked by consistently delivering results that have generated over $2 billion in revenue and cost-cutting benefits.

Currently, Michael serves as the Senior Manager of Strategic Planning at Amazon Web Services (AWS), a position he assumed in January 2022. In this role, he leads cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing sales planning within AWS. His responsibilities include defining, implementing, and driving the adoption of sales planning programs on a global scale. Michael’s ability to orchestrate and execute strategic initiatives demonstrates his prowess as a dynamic leader in the technology sector.

Prior to joining AWS, Michael co-founded urKnight and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. urKnight is a mobile app-based service that offers on-demand physical security solutions on an international scale. His role in this venture highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to identify opportunities in emerging markets.

Before his tenure at AWS and urKnight, Michael worked as a skilled Engagement Manager at Mu Sigma Inc. during the period from October 2016 to May 2020. His role involved providing strategic consulting services to multiple Fortune 500 clients. Leveraging data science and analytics, he played a pivotal role in enhancing their strategic planning, operations, marketing, finance, product development, pricing, and human resources strategies.

Michael’s impact extended across various industries. Notably, he led an engagement at Direct Energy in the utility sector, revamping their marketing strategy with a focus on customer acquisition and retention. At Exxon-Mobil, he provided analytical support across multiple geographies, including the U.S., Asia Pacific, New Zealand, the UK, and the European Union. In Germany, he worked on campaign measurement for a credit card loyalty program. Michael also managed multiple engagements at Home Depot, addressing strategic planning, product assortment, pricing, HR, operations, marketing CRM, eCommerce, and private brand marketing strategies.

His journey into the corporate world began at Infosys, where he held the position of Associate Director of Sales from July 2009 to March 2016. During his tenure, Michael managed a portfolio of four Global 2000 accounts with annual sales totaling $20 million. He received the 2013-14 Award for Excellence for Account Management, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions. Michael partnered with the Head of Corporate Strategy to improve operational metrics significantly, propelling the business unit from a third-place ranking to the top position over five years.

Michael’s involvement in the oil and gas sector included managing sales and business operations exceeding $100 million annually. He played a key role in growing accounts at General Electric – Baker Hughes, Bristow Group, and Weatherford, achieving substantial revenue growth. Michael’s contributions also extended to client partnerships, negotiations, and the successful closure of significant deals.

His journey in the corporate landscape was further enriched by an MBA internship at Yum! Brands, where he contributed to strategic planning, market research, and business operating model evaluations for Pizza Hut. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the world of fast-food and franchising.

Michael began his career as a Field Engineer in Wireline Services at Schlumberger, where he honed his technical expertise and leadership skills. He attended an extensive training program in Edinburgh, Scotland, learning the intricacies of Open-Hole Wireline Services and formation evaluation. He supervised teams assigned to oil and gas well evaluation and acquired certifications in explosives and radiation safety.

Before Schlumberger, Michael was a Standards Engineer at Consumers Energy, where he managed the High Voltage Distribution (HVD) Substation Standards Department. He established and maintained engineering and technical standards for the company’s assets, providing crucial technical assistance to various groups. His contributions helped improve operational metrics and enabled the transition of the department from a cost center to a profit center.

Michael’s academic journey is equally impressive. He holds an MBA in General Management from the Texas McCombs School of Business. During his time there, he actively participated in the Graduate Consulting Group and Graduate Entrepreneur Group, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and entrepreneurship.

His undergraduate education was at Kettering University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Michael’s academic excellence was recognized with honors, including the Kettering Scholarship, Kettering Grant, and Mott Scholarship. His thesis assignment, focused on transient immunity testing, showcased his early dedication to problem-solving and innovative thinking.

Michael Ashade is a versatile professional who possesses a diverse skill set and a remarkable track record of delivering tangible results. His endorsements in various areas such as management consulting, strategic planning, business strategy, and analytics are a testament to his expertise. Michael is a dynamic leader who consistently delivers value through strategic thinking, effective management, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

• Character: Michael Ashade embodies integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic, demonstrated through his consistent pursuit of excellence and commitment to delivering results.
• Knowledge: With a diverse background spanning technology, business development, and strategic planning, Michael possesses a deep and multifaceted knowledge base that enables him to tackle complex challenges effectively.
• Strategic: Michael Ashade is a strategic visionary, evident in his ability to lead cross-functional projects, drive global sales planning initiatives, and optimize operational metrics, ultimately contributing to significant revenue growth.
• Communication: Michael’s exceptional communication skills empower him to partner seamlessly with key stakeholders, influence new business initiatives, and present strategic recommendations to executive leadership, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making.