Experience
Double T Holdings
Jan 2022 – Present
COO and Chief of Strategy
The original physical ranch land has been in the same family for over 100 years. Initially, it operated strictly as a cattle ranch but has since evolved into a large cotton farm with valuable mineral rights. These mineral rights were largely untapped until recently when new technology-enabled substantial reinvestment. As a result, the ranch has generated several million dollars in drilling rights and royalties, with less than 50% of the potential resources currently utilized. These assets play a significant role in the growth strategy of the CEO, whose total asset value is $35 million and continues to grow.
Nov 2022 – Dec 2023
SVP and Advisor to CEO
Retained to evaluate and execute strategic business optimization of firm, managing 5 people and $15M budget. Enhanced sales strategies, distribution, and contracts, and advised on the strategic direction, culminating in the successful divestiture of the company, earning the PE firm great profits.
Nov 2021 – Nov 2022
Vice President, Global Alliances and Partners
Managed strategic alliances and channel organization, successfully opening the APAC market with a $20M budget and a team of 10. Exceeded KPIs, generating $10M in revenue and $52M in opportunities within 8 months. Recruited by Tonecommander for firm evaluation.
Dec 2020 – Nov 2021
VP, Global Strategic Alliances & Partners
Led the development of solutions with strategic partners, focusing on go-to-market activities, especially in APAC and Western Europe. Managed a team of 50 and a budget of $50M, ensuring successful launches and partnerships. Strategically concluded that segmenting company into multiple divisions and selling some was optimal way forward.
Jan 2019 – Dec 2020
Vice President, Global Strategic Partners
Spearheaded partnership identification and solution co-development, securing major alliances with Samsung, IBM, and T Mobile (etc). Managed a team of 25 and a $45M budget, focusing on significant wins in the telecom sector. Division closed due to Covid.
Jul 2015 – Dec 2019
Vice President ISV Channels
Directed sales and channel strategies in the ISV vertical, managing an expansive team of 1200 and a $1B budget. Focused on maintaining business continuity and growth during periods of organizational change.
Mar 2008 – Jul 2015
VP and GM-Service Providers
Created and led a new business unit focused on service providers and cable companies worldwide, managing a team of 50 and a $1B budget. Concentrated on strategic growth and vendor partnerships.
Results
$75M
Accelerated APAC market penetration, securing contracts worth $75M in 60 days with 6 banks and 1 telco.
$52M
Spearheaded development of a global partner strategy, generating a $52M pipeline and closing $8M in business in 8 months.
75%
Directed strategic shift from AWS to Oracle, halving transaction costs and reducing cloud overhead by 75%.
Expertise
P&L
Computing Solutions
M&A
SDLC Management
ERP System Implementations & Integrations
Cyber Security
Machine Learning
Threat Modeling
Automation
Enterprise Architecture
API Management
Risk Management
Global Executive Team Leadership
Strategic Leadership
Cost Optimization
Technology Management
Strategic Alliances
Modeling & Contingency Planning
Financial Management
Employee Development
Emerging Technologies
Reorganizations & Turnarounds
Education
(MBA) International Business
University of Dallas
(MBA) International Business
The University of Texas at Dallas
Meet Gahn
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
I wanted to learn Hi Tech, new ideas, new people, cultures and ideas.
Who are your main influences?
Winston Churchill, Sam Houston, my Father.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I won an unsolicited bid for $100M in less than a week from Cold Call to Presentation to Award.
What tools do you use?
Linkedin, Navigator, my network and various sources of research.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your profession?
Learn, be Positive and Ethical but Aggressive and Flexible. Also, it does not cost you a thing to be nice or pleasant.
Interests
Cycling
Golf
Outdoors
Testimonials
“Leader, problem solver, value creator, friend, mentor and team builder are a few of the many positive descriptors that can be used to describe Gahn. He is the type a person who truly cares about the people that come into his orbit. His ability to understand the perspective of all stakeholders in any given situation is unparalleled when compared to all the people I have met during my career. He makes positive things happen, regardless of the situation he finds himself. Gahn creates value.”
Alan Sowards, Distribution Business Manager at Palo Alto Networks
“Ridiculously relentless and change agent are two thoughts that come to mind when talking about Gahn.
Few people have the opportunity to work with someone that truly make a difference in an organization. Those people that will stop at nothing short of achieving the goal, no matter how difficult the task. I have. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Gahn in a number of capacities. I’ve hired Gahn to: build out and run an ISV route to market; start from scratch a global strategic partner organization and I’ve worked with Gahn while he ran a global service provider business. All complex selling motions in complex environments. I was always impressed with the way that Gahn could navigate the relationship maze to get to the business drivers and business decision makers to get results. I particularly value Gahn’s channel expertise and global ecosystem skills. A leader and a mentor, his people truly respected him and followed his lead. Gahn also brought a little fun a levity to the business and is a great storyteller….ask him about the Firetruck.
I highly recommend Gahn. He would be a fantastic asset in any leadership team.”
Bill Corbin, President/CEO at Global Indirect Markets
“Gahn was my manager’s manager however Gahn took the time to get to know my team and I when he first joined Centurylink to lead our ISV business unit. Gahn is a empathetic and thoughtful leader that is as authentic as good old fashion Texas BBQ. These are not buzz words that I use lightly – anyone that knows Gahn will speak to his authenticity and empathy for human relationships. Simply put, Gahn cares. This attribute helps him build win/win business outcomes and lasting relationships with customers, partners, people that worked for or with him and people that for some reason that just knows him.”
Tony O’Yang, Strategic ISVs at Amazon Web Services (AWS)