Scott Smith joins Willow as Global Head of Microsoft Partnership

Scott Smith has joined Willow as Global Head of the Microsoft, Willow Partnership. Scott is responsible for building out the Willow partnership with Microsoft, identifying and executing on the significant opportunity for both organisations resulting from the unprecedented computing power available via the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. When speaking of his new role, Scott said, “Microsoft is a key partner for Willow. Our opportunity to build on the large investments Microsoft continues to make in Azure and deliver outcomes for their key clients is significant. I’ll be working closely with Microsoft’s product and engineering teams out of Seattle along with key industry verticals represented around the world.”

Joshua Ridley, Willow’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Microsoft is a key partner for Willow and we are actively investing in this phenomenal partnership. I could not think of anyone more qualified to lead the partnership than Scott. His deep background in the technology industry, first hand experience with Willow and Microsoft made the decision to appoint Scott a slam dunk.”

When asked on what led him to Willow, Scott shared that he first met Willow during his tenure in Microsoft’s partner team. “I was privileged to see a large cross section of innovative software companies in my role at Microsoft…” says Smith. “From my first dealings with Willow I was impressed with the leadership, depth of talent and their unique understanding of the industry they serve. I was looking for an opportunity to join the right team, to be part of building something significant that would have impact globally. Willow has all the key ingredients with its people, culture, clients and key partnerships.”

Scott joins Willow having spent eight years at Microsoft, working for the last four years as part of the Microsoft Partner team, focused on independent software vendors (ISVs). Working in this role, Scott and his team were tasked with identifying organisations building out repeatable IP and creating new and differentiated services with potential to scale, and then partnering with them to achieve this from a technology platform perspective along with a co-sell approach and go-to-market support. Prior to this, Scott was Microsoft’s Account Director leading the Commonwealth Bank of Australia relationship, where he was involved in aligning technology and delivery teams across Microsoft to deliver on the strategy of the bank. As well as his work at Microsoft, Scott spent 12 months with Compassion; a not-for-profit organisation, where he worked as a Business Manager on numerous projects to advance the mission of releasing children from poverty.