Paul van der Linger, following an already extensive and varied career in IT, joined NetApp from IBM in January 2013 as a Consulting Solutions Engineer and promptly transitioned to the role of Technology Strategist for Northern EMEA. As Director EBC International (EMEA&APAC), Paul boldly spearheaded creative initiatives for the award-winning program, helping shape customers’ perceptions of NetApp as a trusted advisor, while expanding their awareness of the breadth of the portfolio. After this 7-year stint in marketing, Paul has returned to his IT Engineering roots, as Director Cloud Solutions Architect (Office of the CTO) focused on the use of Clouds as essential business tools. His team is responsible for leading NetApp’s technical engagement with hyperscalers and key ISVs and for ensuring the technical integration of NetApp’s roadmap across Cloud products. Being an IT veteran with worldwide experience, Paul is an avid advocate for responsible IT&ESG, and as such, contributes to NetApp’s role in helping customers navigate a path to get greater return on their cloud investments, accelerate their business performance and minimize their risk. Recognized for his singular approach to storytelling – paired with his deep and versatile IT knowledge – Paul is a frequent guest speaker invited to grace the stages of some of the biggest industry events.