Karen Richardson

I am a partner development and marketing leader with over three decades of experience in technology partnerships, public relations, and strategic marketing, currently serving as Director of Partner Development at Microsoft, a role I have held since March 2023, where I develop and lead execution for strategic go-to-market plans for top managed ISVs to drive consumption of Microsoft products across solution areas, promote partner solutions on the Microsoft platform across all outbound and inbound marketing opportunities, collaborate with business groups to develop strategic vision and bring new campaigns to market, and lead OCP GTM initiatives in the Fintech space. Prior to this role, I served as Senior Partner Development Manager for nearly three years and as Senior Partner Marketing Advisor for nearly two years, where I developed GTM plans and led partner marketing initiatives.

Before joining Microsoft, I spent over twenty-three years at Esri in progressively responsible roles, including Public Relations and Analyst Relations Manager for nearly four years, where I led a cross-national team of PR professionals, directed agency outreach to top-tier media, directed communications around new technology announcements, and maintained relationships with key media, bloggers, and influencers. I also served as Senior Writer for Commercial and Maps and Charts Industries for nearly seven years, where I reviewed and approved all outward-facing communications for two emerging growth sectors, collaborated with marketing managers and product specialists, and served as editor of a commercial industry newsletter with more than thirty thousand subscribers. Earlier in my career, I served as Marketing Writer for over four years, Business Alliance Marketing for over four years in Cairo, Egypt and the Philippines, Business Alliance Program Manager for three years where I created the first satellite office for Esri in the San Francisco Bay Area and created the business alliance program managing marketing relationships with strategic partners including Oracle, SUN Microsystems, IBM, and Microsoft, Domestic Business Partner Manager for nearly two years, and Business Partner Manager for the NW Office for nearly two years, where I introduced new Esri PC-based technology to customers and partners and helped create the new partner program for Esri.

Across my career in partner development, marketing, and public relations, my work has been driven by a commitment to building strong partnerships, driving strategic growth, and creating compelling communications that connect technology with customers and markets. Whether I am leading partner development at Microsoft, managing global PR programs, or building business alliances, I bring a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven approach that has earned recognition and trust from colleagues and partners worldwide. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue advancing partner development and marketing excellence at Microsoft.