Suggestions
Nicola McKenna
Director, Global AWS Partner Executive and Practice Leader at DXC Technology
Professional Background
Nicola Ankcorn McKenna is an accomplished cross-functional leader renowned for her extensive experience in managing billion-dollar contracts from conception through to steady state operations. Her sales and solution-focused approach has been a pivotal element in her career, allowing her to excel in enhancing client engagement through digital transformation processes. Over the years, she has demonstrated proven performance in managing the development and launch of service offering solutions within the end user space, significantly driving revenue growth and increasing market share for the companies she has been part of.
With a strong passion for incorporating artificial intelligence and cognitive solutions into business practices, Nicola has been instrumental in spearheading projects that not only foster innovation but also markedly improve customer satisfaction. Her people-centric approach is vital in cultivating client confidence, and she thrives on creating and maintaining alignment across various business units. This ability to unify teams and stakeholders under a common vision is one of her key strengths.
Education and Achievements
Nicola began her academic journey at Kings High School for Girls in Warwick, UK. This foundational education set the stage for her transition to higher education, where she pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Communication Systems Engineering at Coventry University. Her technical background in communications systems has equipped her with the analytical skills necessary for effective problem-solving in highly complex environments.
Throughout her impressive career, Nicola has taken on significant roles across some of the world's leading technology firms. Currently, she serves as the Director, Global AWS Partner Executive and Practice Leader at DXC Technology. In this capacity, she leads strategic initiatives that leverage novel partnerships with AWS to bring comprehensive solutions to clients, demonstrating her ability to drive strategic growth through alliances.
Prior to her role at DXC Technology, Nicola enjoyed a successful tenure at IBM, where she held various pivotal positions that include Strategic Partnerships Leader, Global Alliance Executive for Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Portfolio Manager and Offering Development Leader. Her strategic mindset and collaborative nature have allowed her to effortlessly manage partnerships at the global level, ensuring that each collaboration is mutually beneficial and aligned with the broader company goals.
Notable Achievements
Nicola's career is highlighted by her extensive experience in program and project management, where she has consistently applied her expertise in technical solution architecture and service management. As a Senior Program Manager focused on End User Services and Service Desk offering development at IBM, she was a key player in the deployment of innovative service solutions.
In addition, her role as the Global Service Product Manager and Brand Transformation Change Program Manager showcased her capability to manage complex service portfolios. During her time as the European Offering Manager within IBM Global Technology Services, Nicola demonstrated her effectiveness in cultivating service offerings tailored to the needs of diverse markets, further solidifying her status as a thought leader in product development.
Nicola Ankcorn McKenna's journey is a testament to her leadership abilities and her commitment to driving significant change through technological enhancements. With a deep understanding of the intersection between client needs and technological innovation, she continues to be a transformative figure in the tech industry, always striving to enhance operational efficiencies and drive customer delight in all her endeavors.
