Outline:
Leadership Changes and New Appointments in Tech and Business
Amazon has announced a new leadership move, with Uwem Ukpong transitioning from vice president of Global Services to VP of AWS Industries. Ukpong has been part of the tech giant for over four years, having previously worked at energy technology company Baker Hughes. His career is largely defined by a 22-year tenure at Schlumberger, a Houston-based software and internet company with global offices.
Alicia Teel Takes on New Role in Seattle
Alicia Teel has been appointed as the acting director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development. She was previously deputy director of the department, which focuses on supporting small businesses and driving economic growth. Teel began her career at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, where she worked for more than 15 years.
In her new role, Teel emphasized the team’s commitment to creating economic opportunities, reducing the racial wealth gap, and promoting innovation. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson thanked former director Markham McIntyre for his leadership in supporting small business recovery after the pandemic. McIntyre held the position for four years and had also served in leadership roles at the Chamber of Commerce before leaving as executive VP.
Manik Gupta Steps Down from Microsoft Teams
Manik Gupta is stepping down from his role as corporate VP of Microsoft Teams. On LinkedIn, he reflected on his time with the platform, saying it allowed him to combine his consumer-focused background with enterprise-level learning. He noted that the lessons, playbooks, and friendships gained will remain with him. Based in California, Gupta joined Microsoft in 2021 and is now exploring career options in AI, particularly in turning powerful models into reliable daily products.
ESS Appoints New Leadership
ESS, an Oregon-based long-duration energy storage company, has appointed Drew Buckley as CEO. Buckley joined the company in August as leader of its investor relations and capital market strategy. Prior to this, he spent 17 years as a technology-focused partner at William Blair. Harry Quarls, chairman of ESS’s board, praised Buckley for his track record and industry relationships, highlighting his role in leading the company’s first Energy Base projects.
ESS also named Kate Suhadolnik as chief financial officer, moving her from her interim role. Suhadolnik has been with the publicly-traded company for over four years. Eric Dresselhuys resigned as CEO in February, and Kelly Goodman took over as interim chief executive. Goodman is now chief strategy officer and general counsel.
Savanna Thompson Promoted at Helion Energy
Savanna Thompson has been promoted to chief business operations officer at fusion company Helion Energy. Previously, she served as VP of people & workplace Operations. Thompson has been with the Everett, Wash., company for more than three years. As Helion shifts focus from building fusion machines to deploying fusion power plants, Thompson’s role highlights the importance of scaling teams, systems, and infrastructure.
Thompson joined Helion from 98point6, a Seattle telehealth company.
Jackie Ostlie Returns to Microsoft
Jackie Ostlie has returned to Microsoft, taking the role of director of AI initiatives in Microsoft Learning. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement about rejoining the company. Ostlie rejoins after a leadership role at Google Cloud Learning. Her career includes positions with several Seattle-area organizations, including Veeam Software, Expedia, and the nonprofit World Vision.
Yoodli Names New Leaders After $40M Investment
Following a $40 million investment, Seattle AI roleplay startup Yoodli has appointed two new leaders. Emma Day is principal recruiter, leaving a similar role at Karat, a Seattle-based tech hiring platform. Day highlighted Yoodli’s mission, world-class team, and growth potential.
Grayson Hay is principal software engineer, bringing experience from CodeSee, Tableau Software, and Microsoft. His career also includes work in cinematography and bungee fitness instruction.
Coinme Appoints General Counsel
Seattle cryptocurrency company Coinme has named Hazen Baron as its general counsel. Based in Arkansas, Baron has worked with Walmart and fintech company Stronghold. Last month, Coinme announced an agreement with Washington state regulators to pause a temporary cease-and-desist order, allowing the company to resume operations in the state.
Jason Cavness Joins Earth Venture Capital
Jason Cavness, a Seattle-based U.S. market development partner for TechBank, is now a fellow with Earth Venture Capital, a Vietnam-based firm investing in climate tech globally.
Microsoft Alumni Network Expands Board
The Microsoft Alumni Network, representing over 290,000 former employees, has expanded its board of trustees, appointing eight new members:
- Declan Bradshaw – 22-year employee based in Dublin and Redmond, Wash., who led Xbox’s European launch.
- George Durham – Leader of community engagement, global Technology for Good programs, and other roles since joining in 2004.
- Erendira Gonzalez – Over three decades led multicultural teams and launched the first Microsoft Technology Center in Latin America.
- Bill Kirst – Director of change for Commercial Systems & Business Intelligence.
- Laura Luethe – Leads strategic content and communications as Microsoft HR’s director of communications.
- Somanna Palacanda – 23-year employee who leads International Social Impact for Microsoft Elevate.
- Michelle September – Nearly 20 years at Microsoft, working in account management, industry leadership, among other roles.
- Andrew Winnemore – VP of Microsoft for HR People Operations.
In addition, Larry Hryb, a longtime Xbox leader, was named vice chair of the Microsoft Alumni Network board.
