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Alexander So
Tech Founder, xGoogle - creating localized differentiated services that help people lead better lives
Professional Background
Alexander So is a distinguished Technology Founder with a notable career that spans more than 19 years, specializing in launching differentiated and profitable services across international emerging markets. Adept in technology architecture, new product launch, and IT strategy, Alexander has made a significant mark in diverse environments from bustling startup teams to large multinational corporations. His expertise allows him to navigate and thrive in challenging markets such as the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Mainland China.
Throughout his career, Alexander has held influential positions within industry-leading companies, contributing to transformative projects that embrace technological innovation and user engagement. He is particularly passionate about working within cross-cultural contexts, leveraging his deep understanding of local market nuances to drive sustainable growth.
Education and Achievements
Alexander So boasts an impressive educational background that complements his extensive professional experience. He honed his business acumen at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he gained a solid foundation for strategic decision-making and entrepreneurial leadership. Additionally, Alexander holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University, equipping him with critical insights into the intersection of technology and science, which he seamlessly integrates into his work.
His noteworthy achievements across various sectors clearly reflect his exceptional leadership capabilities:
Digital & Media
- Alexander was instrumental in building and managing Google’s first programmatic trading desk in the Asia-Pacific region, achieving a remarkable 150% growth in revenue expectations, marking a significant milestone in Google's digital advertising strategy.
- As a pioneer in the digital media landscape, he successfully launched hindustantimes.com, which now attracts over 80 million monthly page views and was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the best international newspaper websites.
- His innovative approach also led to the establishment of livemint.com, an online portal that marked the launch of the first business newspaper in India in two decades, showcasing his contribution to the evolution of journalism in the country.
- In the realm of digital transformation, he played a crucial role in bringing PBS, the home of beloved children's programs such as Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers, into the digital age through a comprehensive publishing and workflow servicing platform.
Payments & Servicing
- Alexander's expertise in payments and servicing saw him assisting American Express in achieving the number one ranking in Market Perception Score (MPS) by leading an impactful multi-year cardmember acquisition and servicing strategy; this exceptional achievement was acknowledged in Fortune magazine.
- He designed a next-generation call center transformation strategy for Visa, Inc, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
- Moreover, he managed risk and mitigation strategies during one of the world’s largest bank mergers, between Wells Fargo and Wachovia Bank, earning him recognition for his strategic foresight.
- Alexander's significant impact extended to developing the world’s largest speech-recognition implementation for Avaya at America Online, demonstrating his skills in marrying technology with user-centric design.
Telecoms & Government
- His career commenced with the National Security Agency (NSA) where he first discovered his passion for computing, encryption, and telecoms. His intelligence reporting gained national prominence and was featured in the Joint Chiefs of Staff/President's Daily Briefing.
- In his role with MTC-Vodafone Kuwait, he was responsible for designing the first-ever unified enterprise architecture map across the Middle East, setting a new precedent for telecom infrastructure in the region, allowing for better coordination and integration among various telecom services.
Current Interests
In recent years, Alexander has turned his focus toward the burgeoning field of SD-WAN technologies. His interest lies in how these innovative solutions can facilitate dynamic and programmatically intelligent network configurations, which is particularly beneficial in markets with challenging internet environments. This forward-thinking approach aligns with his overall commitment to enhancing technological capabilities and improving user experiences.
For those interested in collaborating or joining Alexander's team, he invites prospective partners and professionals to reach out and explore opportunities to create impactful solutions together.
Alexander So continues to inspire and challenge the status quo through his dedication to technology innovation and his desire to foster growth in diverse cultural settings. With a wealth of experience and a passion for progress, he stands as a beacon of leadership and ingenuity in the technology arena.
