Chris Selland is a Boston-based Partner in TechCXO’s Executive Operations practice. As an expert in strategy and business development, boards, investors, and senior leadership teams turn to him for his invaluable insight as an interim and fractional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).
Chris is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of success in developing and executing go-to-market (GTM) and growth strategies. He has led multiple teams to hypergrowth, resulting in IPOs and acquisitions, and has broad and deep operating experience in startups, expansion-stage companies, and turnaround situations.
Chris is particularly passionate about developing key strategic alliances, identifying and developing highly productive partnerships that have accelerated progress toward critical strategic goals and led to numerous successful buy- and sell-side M&A transactions.
During his notable career, he has held the following positions:
Advisor, Trender.ai – At Trender.ai, Chris acts as a strategic advisor and was an integral part of the launch of their next-gen AI solution, built in conjunction with Google and other key partners.
CEO, DipJar – DipJar is a FinTech company specializing in innovative payment solutions. Chris was instrumental in executing a successful recapitalization of the company, and its subsequent acquisition by DJ Capital Partners LLC.
Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Corporate Development, Unifi Software – Chris spearheaded strategic alliances & growth initiatives for this Data as a Service platform provider, working closely with the CEO, founders & board to accelerate growth via key strategic alliances.
Vice President, WW Marketing, Alliances & OEM Sales, HPE Software – As VP of Marketing for the HP Vertica business unit, Chris helped lead the business through triple-digit growth, and spearheaded the launch of the HP Haven platform as well as the HP Big Data Conference. As VP of Alliances, he expanded the partner ecosystem and led business development efforts that supported platform expansion and corporate growth.
Senior Vice President Of Corporate Development, Hale Global – Chris led deal sourcing and worked with portfolio companies on EBITDA growth strategies for this innovative PE firm focused on buyouts and special situations.
VP of Business Development, Soundbite Communications – Chris forged key strategic alliances and business/corporate development strategies for this rapidly growing SaaS provider, while also negotiating the acquisition of SMS/text messaging provider, Mobile Collect.
Founder, Reservoir Partners – Chris founded Reservoir Partners, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) market research, and advisory firm. He later merged its research and consulting assets with Aberdeen Group.
VP of CRM & Internet Research, the Yankee Group – Chris led the research department, focusing on customer relationship management (CRM) and internet research.
Director of International Marketing, ON Technology – Chris developed and supported international distribution channels for this rapidly growing groupware/collaboration software company.
Chris has also made significant contributions to corporate and non-profit boards, including Mass Technology Leadership Council, LogMeIn Xively (which was later acquired by Google), and as a Board Member & Director of the Needham Memorial Day Tournament, one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the US.
Presently, Chris is an active voice in the discussion of AI’s role in sales and marketing in the Boston technology community. His point of view provides insight into how business leaders can leverage AI and strategic partnerships for business growth.
Chris received his BS in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and holds an MBA in International Business & Economics from NYU Stern School of Business.
Chris Selland in the News
Chris is an authoritative voice in the fields of Customer Data Modeling and AI.
- ODBMS – An in-depth discussion on Customer Data Modeling.
- Angel Invest Boston Podcast – A recent dialogue that not only spotlights Squark but also serves as a comprehensive discussion on AI and customer data.
- LinkedIn – RevOps & AI: From Analysis to Action. Sheds light on the transition from data analysis to actionable insights.
- theCUBE – Chris engaged in multiple interviews aligned with key industry events. Chris maintains a strong rapport with theCUBE and its affiliate publications, SiliconAngle & Wikibon Research, ensuring an ongoing collaboration.