Mark Hickson

Guiding senior leaders to unlock real business value through practical AI-driven transformation

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

About

I help senior leaders harness the power of AI to turn strategic vision into measurable business results. With more than 26 years of technology leadership, I blend deep technical expertise, sharp business acumen, and an infectious team spirit to guide organizations through AI and digital transformation. Throughout my career, I have consistently over-delivered against ambitious targets while fostering innovation and collaboration between business and technical teams. Here are a few highlights: • Delivered 200%+ sales attainment, earning Microsoft's Gold Club Winner and Key Talent recognition • Secured full-coverage wins of premium offerings at a large bank ($25M) and telco ($18M) • Drove over $12M in strategic platform wins at 2 large enterprise organizations during periods of organizational turmoil Recently, I have led AI strategy engagements with enterprise C-suite, line-of-business, and IT leaders—evaluating build/buy/extend decisions and providing clarity across Microsoft's multiple Copilots and platforms. I captured customer challenges and AI opportunities and helped shape go-to-market plans and inform product roadmaps. If you are a senior leader looking to navigate the evolving AI landscape and accelerate your digital outcomes, let’s connect and explore how generative AI can become your next competitive edge.

Experience

  • Microsoft (14 yrs 11 mos)
    • AI Transformation Strategist - Global Banking
      Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

      Empowering a global bank along their AI Transformation journey, envisioning new possibilities and delivering technology solutions that result in targeted business outcomes.

    • Director, Cross Solutions, AMERICAS
      Oct 2022 - Aug 2025 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Guide enterprise C-suite, line-of-business, and IT leaders to unlock real business value through AI-driven transformation, navigating build/buy/extend considerations and providing clarity across Microsoft’s multiple Copilots and platforms, capturing insights into customer challenges and AI opportunities to inform go-to-market and product direction.

    • Director, Modern Work - Frontline, AMERICAS
      Jul 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 4 mos

      Enabled business leaders across industries to connect their frontline workforce, digitize manual processes, and accelerate onboarding including large wins at nationwide retailers.

  • Unified Communications Solution Specialist at Navantis
    Aug 2010 - Jul 2011 · 1 yr

    Unified Communications Practice Lead for 2010 Microsoft UC Partner of the Year

  • Practice Lead - Microsoft Unified Communications at UNIS LUMIN Inc
    Dec 2006 - Jun 2010 · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Built practice from the ground up as a charter member of the Microsoft Voice Partner Program, developed key relationships, designed and implemented a fault-tolerant Microsoft Unified Communications solution, executed Sales Enablement and Marketing strategies, trained a nationwide delivery team, and served as the primary Technical Presales resource on strategic opportunities.

  • Senior Solution Architect at Point Alliance Inc
    Mar 2003 - Dec 2006 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Conducted business analysis, requirements gathering, solution architecture, and design for diverse consulting engagements, and designed and built a streamlined end-to-end CRM solution focused on ease-of-use.

  • Product Technical Manager at United System Solutions / CGI / COGNICASE
    May 1999 - Mar 2003 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    • Project lead for 2-time Lotusphere “Best in Showcase” award-winning CRM application for an IBM Premier Business Partner • Executed in all stages of the software development lifecycle within a small team environment • Designed and developed multi-functional product with Web, Palm, Pocket PC, and Lotus Notes clients • Championed many internal initiatives aiming to foster high levels of communication and