Jonathan Usher Email & Phone Number

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand

Helped companies and organisations develop and secure new business opportunities, expand their markets, enhance their products, and deliver compelling technology services. Developed business models for next generation services, planned service and product line expansions nationally and internationally, and advised on the adoption and use of AI in a range of sectors and products.

New Zealand

Formed and led Datacom’s SaaS, cloud products, and enterprise software products business across New Zealand and Australia, growing the business to $200M revenue per annum. This included hybrid and private cloud products, data centres, government software solutions (a new suite of enterprise software / SaaS solutions for local and regional authorities), payments gateway business, and payroll and HRIS SaaS products, which have tens of thousands of business customers. Responsibilities included overall P&L and EV for Datacom's product business across ANZ, investment strategy, sales, marketing, product management, software development and IP creation, service delivery and operations. Also formed and led Datacom Solutions Ltd which is focused on developing and taking to market solutions for specific industries (Education, Health Care, Government). Responsible for marketing and communications leadership for Datacom globally.• Transformed a loss-making software business into a highly profitable SaaS business with over 20,000 paid business customers, adding 500 per month.• Increased the profitability of large existing software and cloud businesses by over 20% each year, surpassing targets for revenue and profit.• Addressed a major market gap by forming a new Australia-New Zealand enterprise software business, developing, selling, delivering, and supporting a suite of software products for the public sector. Successfully acquired and integrated another company to further accelerate this business. Grew the business from 30 to 200 people and secured the first 10 large clients for the new public sector ERP SaaS solution.

Redmond, Washington, United States

Led a range of global initiatives for Xbox, Windows Media, Microsoft Mediaroom and Microsoft PlayReady products. Drove growth strategies and communications with key entertainment partners, and industry/technology/product analysis for video, information, and entertainment. Responsible for global product marketing and ecosystem growth for Microsoft PlayReady and related digital media technologies and initiatives.• Grew the PlayReady partner ecosystem from zero to over 100 companies licensing the technology for their products.• Developed the communications strategy, partner coordination, and launch messaging for entertainment partners on Xbox worldwide, including AT&T, Sky (UK), CANAL+, Comcast, FOXTEL, Netflix, Telefónica, Verizon, and more.• Extended the reach of TV services to Xbox, personal computers, and smartphones via the Microsoft Mediaroom 2.0 launch.

Redmond, Wa, Usa

Head of marketing and product management for Microsoft’s digital media products and technologies worldwide. Led industry teams spanning media & entertainment, consumer electronics, enterprise digital media, and digital imaging.Head of product marketing for digital media features of Windows, including Windows Media Player and all other digital media technologies. Successfully launched many software products for both the domestic USA market and for global markets, including the worldwide launch of Windows XP.Led the PR/AR team covering all of Microsoft's digital media and entertainment products and initiatives for Windows and on consumer devices.• Doubled the market share of the global consumer entertainment device third party ecosystem for Microsoft’s technologies.• Drove Windows Media Player from #3 to become the #1 player in the top seven countries.• Received the Microsoft Gold Star award for outstanding leadership and contributions.

Redmond, Wa, Usa

Identified, prioritised and developed Microsoft’s initiatives in the telecommunications industry worldwide with global and regional service providers, network equipment providers, system integrators and independent software vendors. Identified and developed key relationships for Microsoft in the telecommunications industry. Industry expert on top level business case analysis for market entry and development.