Ali Kemal KARABULUT
Istanbul
Summary
I am a seasoned technology solutions sales professional specializing in solution sales and business development within the cloud technology sector, complemented by a robust educational background in Engineering and Finance. With over a decade of experience in engaging partners and customers across Southeast Europe and the Middle East & Africa, I excel in orchestrating cloud transformation journeys. My expertise lies in cultivating strategic alliances with a diverse array of stakeholders, including Microsoft partners, customers, field sellers and marketing teams to foster customer acquisition and scalable growth.
My approach integrates developing and executing innovative partner and customer programs that enhance program awareness and establish mutually beneficial business models. Known for consistently exceeding sales and acquisition targets for the last ten fiscal years, I leverage a deep understanding of customer needs and partner business dynamics to drive the adoption of cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies. My track record highlights a commitment to leveraging cross-functional collaboration and strategic insights to deliver substantial business results.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Solution Assessment Specialist
Microsoft
Istanbul
07.2022 - Current
- Leading solution assessments in the Southeast Europe region (Adriatic/Balkans, Greece/Cyprus/Malta, Israel and Turkey), specifically targeting SMC Corporate customers.
- Managing and coordinating a vendor team of 6 people based in Europe, including Greece, Israel, Serbia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
- Successfully executed 340 Solution Assessments where the target was only 200 through Solution Assessment Partner Program by motivating top performing partners through channel incentive programs in FY23.
- Driving Solution Assessment Program working closely with partners, GPS team, field sellers and business groups through effective collaboration.
Channel Sales Manager
Microsoft
01.2017 - 07.2022
- Led Microsoft 365 and Azure initiatives for SMC and Unmanaged customer segments, overseeing partner collaborations and supervising a team of 4. Achieved over 100% quota attainment for 5 consecutive years.
- Drove partner channel program utilization, resulting in increased profitability for driving partners and growth of their Microsoft cloud business.
- Utilized strong collaborative skills to successfully build and execute customer acquisition and growth partner initiatives with the support of marketing, partner business development, and finance teams.
- Won 'Be The Change' Award by building and successfully executing Partner Channel Cloud Compete program.
Partner Technology Strategist
Microsoft
07.2012 - 05.2017
- Helped launch of Office 365 in Turkey market and achieved substantial customer acquisition and growth performance by maximizing Microsoft partners' profits.
- Led cloud transformation of top performing partners through Office 365 partner programs and incentives.
- Consistently achieved over 100% quota attainment for 4 consecutive years, surpassing target by more than 250% for an additional 2 years. Recognized with the prestigious Platinum Club Award for exceptional performance in meeting quotas.
Technology Solutions Professional
Microsoft
01.2011 - 07.2012
- Led roll-out of Office 365 for Education solution, in Turkey.
- Increased Office 365 for Education market share: from 8% to 22% with respect to the number of universities.
- 5 University Conferences for around 2.500 student audience.
Aircraft Department - Helicopter Projects Group
Under-Secretariat for Defense Industries
12.2009 - 01.2011
- Part of a team responsible for the management of 2 different multinational helicopter projects, worth almost $4 billion.
Education
Master of Science - Finance And Economics
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, United Kingdom10-2009
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineer
Middle East Technical Univeristy
Turkey06-2008
Minor Undergraduate Program Certificate - Economics
Middle East Technical University
06-2008
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Creative Thinking
- Technical Business Acumen
- Partner Business Development
- Collaboration and Orchestration
- Learning Enthusiast
Accomplishments
- FY13 Circle of Excellence Platinum Club – Top Attainment Award in recognition of exceptional quota attainment in FY13
- FY23 Be The Change Award - SMC+DS Together We Thrive Awards, Growth Mindset for AWS Winback Start Up recruit project
- FY22 Be The Change Award – Building the ISV Recruit Program in recognition of building and executing the Partner Through ISV/StartUp Recruit program which is considered as a best practice for EMEA Region
- Worldwide PTS of the Year Award FY14/FY15/FY16 in recognition of successful PTS role execution
- Master of Transformation Award – Microsoft Anatolian Awards FY16 in recognition of successful empowerment, coaching and mentoring of peers and new graduates towards company transformation targets
- Middle East and Africa Region Share Fighter Award FY17 in recognition of competitive win against Google with Office 365
- Ranked 360th at Quantitative Score in Turkish University Entrance Examination among almost 1.5 million students.
- Semi-finalist in the Turkish Mental Games Competition organized by Turkish Intelligence Foundation (TZV) throughout Turkey in 2006.
- Champion among over 150 players in Chess Tournament by Municipality of Çankaya, Ankara in 1990
Trainings And Certificates
- Microsoft & Accenture: Disruption and Transformational Forces in Manufacturing & Resources online training
- Crossover Workshop for Partner Managed Services Business Development and Implementation
- Wharton Selling to the C-Suite online training
- Knowledge Assessment for Achieving Strategic Alignment with Your Partner Executive training at Microsoft
Hobbies and Interests
- Guitar (Played in a band for 2 concerts in 2002 and 2005 in some festivals)
- Cinema and TV Series
- Quantum Physics
- Reading and Writing
Timeline
Solution Assessment Specialist
Microsoft
07.2022 - Current
Channel Sales Manager
Microsoft
01.2017 - 07.2022
Partner Technology Strategist
Microsoft
07.2012 - 05.2017
Technology Solutions Professional
Microsoft
01.2011 - 07.2012
Aircraft Department - Helicopter Projects Group
Under-Secretariat for Defense Industries
12.2009 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Finance And Economics
University of Nottingham
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineer
Middle East Technical Univeristy
Minor Undergraduate Program Certificate - Economics
Middle East Technical University