Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Tariq Ali

Mississauga,Canada

Summary

Information Technology professional with 20+ years of progressive work experience around Information Technology solution sales and services across North America, Middle East, and Asia. Demonstrated expertise in consultative sales of datacenter technologies, including Cyber Security, Cloud Services (IaaS, SaaS), Server, Storage (BaaS, DRaaS), Managed Service, and Software. Solid team player with positive attitude and proven skill in establishing rapport with clients. Demonstrated passion for building relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Director Member Services

Info-Tech Research Group
Toronto, Canada
06.2021 - 11.2023
  • Led a diverse portfolio of business relationships, offering comprehensive operational and consultative support to clients.
  • Coordinated with stakeholders across multiple departments to develop innovative strategies for problem solving and recommending changes as needed.
  • Created the overall go to market sales strategy to maximize the sale of Cloud services solution that included IaaS, SaaS, (cloud migration services and cloud hosted business services).
  • Provided assessments of existing IT infrastructure to identify areas of vulnerability and develop mitigation plans.
  • Provided technical guidance regarding cyber security best practices in order to maintain client's system integrity. Researched emerging technologies related to cyber security and made recommendations to clients on their implementation.
  • Collaborated with CIO's and CTO's to discuss the role of AI and Its business value and Machine Learning operations capabilities.
  • Helped clients improve data management capabilities, including data governance and data initiatives
  • Provided consultative services to clients to build their IT Cost Optimization Roadmap which helped them reduce unwarranted IT spending and optimize their cost-to-value.
  • Prepared forecast, growing sales pipeline using Salesforce/CRM, contract negotiation, maximize profit and client satisfaction.
  • Added new logos and upselling in the existing book of business.

Account Manager Hybrid Computing

IBM Distributor, Gulf Business Machines
Kuwait
01.2019 - 02.2021
  • Spearheaded the growth of IBM products, services, and managed services business, achieving $12M in revenue.
  • Developed sales strategies to increase customer base, maximize profits, and minimize costs.
  • Fostered strategic alliances with channel partners such as Oracle, SAP, Vision Solutions, and other software leaders, orchestrating seamless hybrid computing solutions for clients.
  • Secured pivotal contracts with prominent oil industry giants, delivering tailored optimization and virtualization solutions, offshore archival backup services as well as comprehensive infrastructure management solutions.
  • Penetrated diverse sectors with SaaS cloud offerings including Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Azure, solidifying IBM's position as a premier cloud service provider.
  • Negotiated successful agreements spanning Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Backup as a Service (BaaS), robust security solutions, and end-to-end infrastructure monitoring, leveraging IBM's advanced technological capabilities.
  • Maintained a highly efficient funnel and pipeline, consistently meeting growth and revenue commitments.

Account Manager - Eastern & Western Canada

Blair Technology Solutions Inc. (IBM Business Partner)
Toronto, Canada
01.2015 - 12.2018
  • Spearheaded the sales of comprehensive solutions and services encompassing both IBM and Non-IBM offerings to a diverse portfolio of Enterprise and Mid-Market clientele.
  • Collaborated with clients' Line of Business (LOB) units to capitalize on new business opportunities, orchestrating the involvement of Blair Technology's technical teams throughout the pre-sales and implementation phases of projects.
  • Successfully marketed and sold fully managed IT Services tailored for IBM Power Systems infrastructure and x86 Systems, encompassing network, desktop, and mobile devices.
  • Facilitated the sale of Cybersecurity offerings from Blair Technologies, such as Email Security, Managed SIEM Services, and Endpoint Security.
  • Drove the sales of infrastructure solutions, including on-premise, hybrid, and cloud-based architectures, catering to both existing/named accounts and prospective new accounts, thereby fostering sustained business growth and client acquisition.
  • Demonstrated high persistence in following the sales cycle from opportunity identification to closing using Salesforce/CRM.

Brand Specialist (POWER & Storage Systems) - Enterprise Accounts

IBM Canada Ltd.
Calgary, Canada
04.2013 - 12.2014
  • Contributed to the company's revenue and margin targets for IBM Power and Storage Systems to enterprise customers across Western Canada.
  • Developed and implemented brand strategies, driving account planning with IBM channel partners to expand existing and new sales.
  • Participated in strategic sessions with clients, articulating IBM's competitive advantages while pinpointing areas for enhancement, ultimately leading to the development of proposals and solutions leveraging IBM platforms.
  • Orchestrated seamless communication between internal teams and external customers to ensure alignment and satisfaction throughout all stages of engagement.
  • Negotiated customer contracts with a keen focus on balancing client requirements with overarching business objectives, thereby fostering mutually beneficial agreements.
  • Teamed up with IBM Business Partner sales professionals to craft customized solutions aligned with specific customer needs, thereby amplifying product sales and enhancing overall client satisfaction.
  • Increased product sales through targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Delivered product presentations to client's executive teams, effectively communicating the value proposition and key benefits of IBM offerings to drive informed decision-making and secure buy-in at the executive level.

Team Leader - Systems & Technology Group

IBM Distributor, Gulf Business Machines
Kuwait
09.2004 - 03.2013
  • Led and directed a dynamic team of six product specialists covering a comprehensive range of IBM technologies, including Mainframe Systems, Midrange Systems, and Storage Systems and orchestrated strategic planning and executed initiatives for business development and alliance building across diverse verticals.
  • Actively engaged with C-Level Executives across various Lines of Business (LOB), to understanding their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and key challenges and leveraged to tailor IBM's solutions precisely to meet their unique business requirements, thereby fostering enduring client relationships.
  • Handled pricing discussions and contractual agreements, ensuring outcomes that were mutually beneficial to all parties involved.
  • Crafted and implemented sales plays with finesse, not only driving revenue growth but also reclaiming lost opportunities, thereby reinforcing IBM's status as an undisputed market leader.

Various Sales Positions

IBM Pakistan
, Pakistan
09.1996 - 07.2004
  • Held various sales positions in IBM Pakistan, including Country Brands Specialist, Client Executive, and Direct Marketing Executive.
  • Worked successfully with IBM Channel and Field Technical Specialist to accomplish goals and address any issues related to our products and services.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Monitored competitor activity within the industry to identify potential growth opportunities for accounts.
  • Conducted regular meetings with team members to review performance, set goals, and provide feedback.
  • Assisted in budgeting processes for each account's annual spending plan.

Education

Skills

  • Client Relationship Management
  • Sales and Business Development (New Logos)
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • People Management
  • Negotiation
  • Technology Proficiency
  • Multitasking (prioritize tasks, manage multiple clients simultaneously, and meet deadlines)
  • Sales Pipeline Development

Websites

Accomplishments

  • Surpassed 120% quota and awarded with President’s Club by Info-Tech Research Group in 2022
  • Earned the Top Sales Achievement Award at Blair Technology Solutions in 2016
  • Earned the Top Sales Achievement Award at Blair Technology Solutions in 2016.
  • Recognized and awarded as the Top Performer in all of the EMEA Region by IBM in 2003.
  • Consistently achieved the 100% Club status at Gulf Business Machines in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013

Timeline

Senior Director Member Services

Info-Tech Research Group
06.2021 - 11.2023

Account Manager Hybrid Computing

IBM Distributor, Gulf Business Machines
01.2019 - 02.2021

Account Manager - Eastern & Western Canada

Blair Technology Solutions Inc. (IBM Business Partner)
01.2015 - 12.2018

Brand Specialist (POWER & Storage Systems) - Enterprise Accounts

IBM Canada Ltd.
04.2013 - 12.2014

Team Leader - Systems & Technology Group

IBM Distributor, Gulf Business Machines
09.2004 - 03.2013

Various Sales Positions

IBM Pakistan
09.1996 - 07.2004

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Tariq Ali