Jeffrey Thomas Ballard, a South Bend, Indiana native, now stands as the Senior Director of the Partners & Alliances Program at Aerospike. He is the epitome of a Global Marketing Executive, weaving together a vast tapestry of knowledge, unparalleled industry experience, and unwavering professionalism. Nestled in Westfield, Indiana, with his wife Vicki and their two cherished dogs, he has made a significant mark on the industry. His strategic vision and practical expertise have been instrumental in propelling organizational development, enhancing revenue, and expanding market presence.
He excels in driving revenue growth and expanding market share through innovative product launches, channel expansion, and penetrating global markets. His dedication to channel development and alliance formation has led to the introduction of groundbreaking go-to-market partner programs that are critical for sales development, technical enablement, and demand generation.
Prior to his current role at Aerospike, he was pivotal at IBM as the Senior Director of Partners and Alliances within the Cloud division, leading numerous successful partner development initiatives. Additionally, his role at EOH, a South African Distributor, as the Market and Channel Development Lead for Kofax Solutions underlines his strategic importance. His collaborations with industry giants such as Seagate Software, Symantec, FileNet, and Kofax highlight his broad skill set and impactful contributions.
Thomas is celebrated for his strategic planning in product launches, market development, channel expansion, and customer loyalty enhancements. His deep marketing insights have been invaluable to Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Value-Added Resellers (VARs), and Service Providers, helping them to expand their operations and market reach.
A Valparaiso University alumnus with a degree in communications, his competencies cover essential go-to-market strategies, including channel marketing, product marketing, sales enablement, and more. His leadership and team-building capabilities are well-acknowledged in the industry.
His entrepreneurial endeavors include founding a marketing agency that supports tech companies in their growth phase and launching several products. His extensive experience, including a significant tenure at IBM and decades working with startups and high-growth companies, underscores his exceptional ability to drive business expansion. Moreover, he is a distinguished speaker at global forums, sharing insights on marketing, customer engagement, personal development, and tiki culture, further illustrating his diverse interests and expertise.
Ballard’s career encompasses a wide range of achievements across various sectors, including financial services, telecom, manufacturing, and retail. His innovative approach to partner program development and marketing strategies, especially during his tenure at IBM and Aerospike, sets him apart as an industry leader.
Beyond his professional life, he is deeply engaged in hobbies that reflect his passion for tiki culture, from DIY projects related to his home tiki bar to photography and scuba diving. He is a genuine sports fan, following Notre Dame football, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Miami Dolphins, with a broad interest in pop culture.
Jeffrey Thomas Ballard’s involvement in the community is notable, offering marketing and photography services to nonprofit organizations. He also serves on the boards of the Irvine High School Boosters and the Harvard Square Homeowners Association, demonstrating his commitment to community service. Through his professional success and personal endeavors, he exemplifies a blend of excellence and dedication, making a profound impact in both his industry and the community.
