Eric Thelen

Vice President of Business Development

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

High performing, sales executive with 20+ years of experience across cloud, data center, software, network, and the evolving AI industry. Consistently ranked in the top 5% of sales achievers, excelling at industry leaders like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Equinix, as well as PE-backed high-growth firms acquired by major players, including Savvis (Lumen), Yipes (Reliance), Telx (Digital Realty), and Xand (TierPoint). Recognized for shaping go-to-market strategies, expanding high-profile accounts, and mobilizing global teams to drive exceptional outcomes. Proven ability to secure complex, high-value deals across enterprise, mid-market, and startup segments. Expert in revenue growth, product-market fits, process optimization, and cross-functional alignment to accelerate scaling and strategic exits. Dedicated to cultivating a high-trust, high-performance culture fueled by innovation, continuous learning, and customer obsession. Key Skills: Vision/GTM Strategy | Sales Leadership | Sales | Innovation & Adaptability | Managing Complexity | Earning Trust| Fostering High-Performance Sales Cultures | Analytical Thinking | Negotiating & Deal Management Key Expertise: Cloud Technologies | GPUaaS | Network Interconnections | Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Edge Computing | SaaS | Data Centers | Product Market Fits

Experience

  • Vice President of Business Development at T5 Data Centers
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    Leading business development engagements across construction (GC), critical data center operations, and data center development with Hyperscalers, GPUaaS/Neo-Cloud providers, Developers, Enterprises and Investors. With 20 years of experience, T5 is a proven leader in Data Center Development, Construction (GC), and Critical Data Center Operations across the U.S. and Europe. Trusted by all the Hyperscalers, Fortune 500, Data Center Operators, Investors, Developers, and the evolving ecosystem of GPUaaS/Neo-Clouds and Bitcoin miners pivoting toward developing HPC/AI infrastructure.

  • Senior Vice President of Sales and Customer Success at 365 Data Centers
    2024 - 2025 · 1 yr

    As the Head of Sales, I developed and executed a comprehensive sales strategy including pricing models, new channel strategy, GTM approach, target market analysis, lead generation, upselling, M&A targets, ideal buyer profiles, account management structure, and SEO-driven brand awareness.

  • Global Director of Digital Sales at Equinix
    2021 - 2024 · 3 yrs

    Led global sales for the newly acquired Bare Metal Cloud division and spearheaded the transformation of Equinix’s corporate go-to-market strategy in selling cloud and digital services to customer across the Enterprise, Mid-Market, and Startup segments.

  • GAM / Private Equity Strategist / Global Team Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    2016 - 2021 · 5 yrs

    Roles during my time at AWS Global Team Lead - Led six global sales teams on a complex engagement with a 150+ year-old Global 100 company Private Equity Strategist - Launched a new division advising private equity firms on cloud economics and execution strategies to accelerate value creation Global Account Manager - Led global sales account team on one of largest and most strategic AWS accounts.

  • Vice President of Sales at TierPoint
    2013 - 2016 · 3 yrs

    At Xand (acquired by TierPoint) led sales transformation to achieve accelerated growth rate | Member of M&A pursuit team