Skyla Loomis

Skyla Loomis is an accomplished engineering and business executive serving as General Manager of IBM Z Software and IBM Silicon Valley Lab Site Location Executive at IBM. With more than 24 years of experience at IBM, she has built an extensive background in enterprise software, technology management, product development, and engineering leadership. Throughout her career, she has led multidisciplinary and globally distributed teams in delivering innovative solutions across data management, analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and mainframe modernization. In her current role, Skyla oversees the IBM Z software portfolio, which supports mission-critical applications for major enterprises across industries, including banking, finance, travel, and insurance. Her leadership combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to customer success.

Throughout her career at IBM, Skyla has progressed through increasingly senior positions, including Vice President of IBM Z Software, Vice President of IBM Z Application Platform, and Director of IMS and z/TPF. She has also played a significant role in advancing cloud data services, database technologies, and enterprise analytics. As Director of Cloudant Development, she led the integration of an acquired engineering organization into IBM, expanded the team from 20 to 60 engineers, and contributed to a sixfold increase in monthly recurring revenue. Her accomplishments reflect her ability to drive business growth, modernize development practices, and build high-performing teams. Skyla earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA. She has also completed executive education programs in strategic growth at Columbia Business School and innovative change at UC Berkeley. In recognition of her professional achievements and contributions to Silicon Valley, she received the YWCA Silicon Valley Tribute to Women Award in 2018.

Skyla attributes her success to authentic leadership, clear communication, collaboration, and the ability to unite people around a shared vision. She finds fulfillment in developing talented teams, solving meaningful customer challenges, and delivering technology that creates measurable business value. As a leader in the technology industry, she encourages young women to be bold, claim their place at the table, and confidently share their perspectives rather than waiting for permission to contribute. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Skyla supports the Silicon Valley Humane Society, reflecting her longstanding love for dogs and commitment to animal welfare. She also enjoys gardening, growing heirloom vegetables, and preserving her harvest through home canning. Through her combination of technical knowledge, business acumen, people-centered leadership, and personal compassion, Skyla continues to make a meaningful impact on enterprise technology and the people and communities around her.