AWS  ·  SAP  ·  Verizon

Dr. Michael
A. Hastings

25 years building and scaling enterprise technology organizations, governing $256M+ ARR portfolios, deploying production AI at scale, and developing global teams that consistently deliver measurable outcomes.

Open to board advisory roles, executive consulting engagements & strategic AI partnerships
Let's Connect View Dr. Hastings' Impact
Dr. Michael A. Hastings
Open to Executive Opportunities
$256M+
ARR Portfolio Governed at AWS, Automotive and Manufacturing
See the Story →
$140M
ARR Migration Wins
How →
126%
YoY Growth
How →
1,200+
CSMs Aligned Globally
How →
25+
Years in Tech Leadership
The Journey →
Dr. Michael A. Hastings
Amazon Web Services Verizon SAP Hitachi
🎓 Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, MCNY 2025

Awarded by Metropolitan College of New York at the Jacob Javits Center for contributions to innovation, leadership, and creating STEM pathways for underrepresented youth.

About

People-First.
Results-Obsessed.

A global technology executive with over 25 years of experience delivering transformational outcomes for some of the world's most recognized enterprises: Amazon Web Services, Verizon, SAP, and Hitachi. One conviction has defined his career: exceptional results are the byproduct of exceptional people.

At AWS, he was recruited to establish and scale the global post-sales strategy and Customer Solutions Management organization for Automotive and Manufacturing, building a multi-tiered Director-level organization from the ground up. That included recruiting and developing Customer Solutions Managers, Partner Development Managers, and Solution Architects accountable for $256M+ ARR across seven strategic enterprise accounts. He designed the operating cadences, performance frameworks, and career development programs that cut attrition to below-target levels and consistently raised the performance bar. The CSM Excellence Role Guide he authored became the global standard, adopted by over 1,200 CSMs globally, establishing a new standard for post-sales excellence.

Before AWS, he spent 13 years at SAP, leading the North American Application Lifecycle Management group and co-leading global platform releases from Waldorf, Germany. That work generated $22.3M in net new service revenue and 90% contract renewals across accounts including BoA, ExxonMobil, Amtrak, and Colgate. At Verizon, he led a 16-person transformation organization executing strategic initiatives directly for the Chief Data Officer and CEO.

His technical fluency spans agentic AI architecture, GenAI platform deployment, and enterprise cloud strategy, with the operational track record to execute at scale and communicate at the board level. His operating philosophy: invest in the clarity and growth of your people, and the results follow.

"Michael's unique ability to distill complexity into actionable solutions, while maintaining unwavering standards of excellence, is what sets him apart as a global leader."

Vikas Tyagi, Global Account Director, AWS Automotive

Career Impact

Selected Outcomes

Numbers tell part of the story. The operating systems, governance models, and teams built to sustain them tell the rest.

AWS · 2020 to Present
$140M ARR
51 Migration Wins · 126% YoY Growth
Established and scaled AWS's global Customer Solutions Management strategy for Automotive and Manufacturing. Governed 256 SFDC opportunities totaling $256M ARR through rigorous win verification, cross-functional interlocks, and milestone discipline that converted bookings into real consumption revenue.
Agentic AI Leadership
35%
Reduction in Technical Validation Cycle Time
Spearheaded GenAI readiness strategy using Bedrock and SageMaker. Applied autonomous AI architecture patterns to move automotive use cases from prototype to production. Upskilled 500+ professionals in applied AI architecture.
SAP America · 13 Years
$22.3M
Net New Revenue: BoA, ExxonMobil, Amtrak, Colgate
40% YoY revenue growth. 90% contract renewals. 45% net new client acquisition across marquee accounts. Scaled team utilization from 40% to 85% and held attrition to 2% over 7 years through purposeful culture building.
Global Enablement
2,660+
Professionals Enabled Across NA Accounts
Authored the CSM Excellence Role Guide, the global standard adopted by 1,200+ CSMs worldwide, aligning frontline execution behaviors to C-Suite KPIs, adoption milestones, and pipeline governance standards.
Verizon · Business Transformation
$9.2M
$2.3M Eliminated · $6.9M Pipeline Generated
Directed vendor rationalization across DnB, Equifax, and TransUnion. Built analytics-driven pipeline motion for the One Fiber program in direct support of 5G-era growth strategy, presenting to the Chief Data Officer and CEO.

Perspectives

Insights & Commentary

Original thinking on the forces reshaping enterprise technology, drawing from 25+ years in the field, current research, and ongoing practice.

Artificial Intelligence
March 2025 · 12 min read

Mastering the Art of Fine-Tuning: How to Take Control of Your Generative AI Model’s Behavior

By Dr. Michael A. Hastings  ·  Head of Global Customer Solutions Management, AWS Automotive & Manufacturing

If you have spent any time working with large language models, you have probably experienced that moment where the output feels almost right but not quite there. That gap between “close enough” and “exactly what I need” is where fine-tuning comes in, and it is arguably the most important skill set you can develop as an AI practitioner today.

Read Full Article →
Artificial Intelligence

Agents Are Not Coming. They Are Here.

What two books on building AI agents taught me about where this is all heading, and what every executive investing in AI needs to understand before the next vendor pitch.

March 2026 10 min read
Read Article →
✍

More articles coming soon. Check back for new perspectives on enterprise AI strategy, deployment patterns, and emerging technology trends.

Editorial Transparency Notice: All articles published in this section represent original analysis and professional perspective developed by Michael A. Hastings. Where applicable, content draws from peer-reviewed research, publicly available industry data, proprietary professional experience, and internet-sourced references, each of which is cited within the article text. Some articles incorporate research assistance or structural support from generative AI tools; in all such cases, all facts, conclusions, and editorial positions have been independently reviewed, verified, and reflect the author's own professional judgment. Citations are provided in accordance with standard editorial practice and do not imply endorsement by referenced organizations or publications.

Career Journey

25+ Years Building at the Edge of What's Possible

From SAP consulting floors to AWS global leadership, a career built on transformation at every scale.

Aug 2020 · Present
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Head of Global Customer Solutions Management · Automotive and Manufacturing · Miami, FL
Recruited to establish and scale AWS's global post-sales strategy and Customer Solutions Management organization for Automotive and Manufacturing. Led a multi-tiered Director-level organization of CSMs, Partner Development Managers, and Solution Architects accountable for $256M+ ARR. Designed MAP 2.0 revenue governance, authored the CSM Excellence Role Guide adopted by 1,200+ CSMs globally, and drove the IBU's GenAI transformation from pilot to production. Delivered C-suite QBRs to VP, SVP, and Divisional President audiences across 7 strategic accounts.
$256M ARRAI AutomationBedrockSageMakerSmart FactorySoftware-Defined Vehicle
Oct 2018 · Aug 2020
Verizon
Senior Manager, Business Transformation · New York, NY
Led a 16-person organization of transformation managers and Black Belts executing strategic initiatives for the Verizon Business Group. Directed vendor rationalization, the One Fiber pipeline development motion, and enterprise data governance. Presented strategy and performance trade-offs directly to the Chief Data Officer and CEO.
Business TransformationData Governance5G Strategy$6.9M Pipeline
Jan 2004 · Jul 2017
SAP America / SAP SE
Practice Manager · Senior Product Manager, Waldorf Germany · Senior Director
A 13-year progressive career culminating as Senior Director leading 32 professionals across North America's ALM group and Customer Center of Excellence. Co-led global Solution Manager platform releases from SAP headquarters in Waldorf, Germany. Delivered $22.3M in net new revenue with 90% contract renewals serving BoA, ExxonMobil, HP, Amtrak, and Colgate.
$22.3M RevenueGlobal Product ManagementSAP SE GermanyBoA · ExxonMobil · HP · Amtrak
2001 · 2004
Hitachi Consulting
Consultant · SAP ERP · Dallas, TX
Delivered ERP implementations for Fortune 500 clients including John Deere, Disneyland, and Philip Morris. Managed full project lifecycles from scoping through rollout, building the execution discipline that would define the decades ahead.
SAP ERPFortune 500John Deere · Disneyland · Philip Morris

Expertise

Areas of Expertise

Technical depth, commercial ownership, and people-first leadership, developed across 25+ years of enterprise transformation at AWS, SAP, Verizon, and Hitachi.

🤖

Enterprise AI Strategy

Designing and deploying enterprise-scale AI programs, from autonomous workflow architecture to responsible AI governance and board-level AI readiness strategy.

Agentic AI ArchitectureGenAI DeploymentResponsible AIAWS Bedrock & SageMaker
☁

Cloud Transformation & Revenue Governance

Governing multi-hundred-million ARR cloud portfolios, leading large-scale migrations, and building the operating systems that sustain growth after the deal closes.

$256M+ ARR GovernanceCloud MigrationSFDC Pipeline OpsContract Renewals
🏭

Industry Vertical Expertise

Deep domain experience in Automotive, Manufacturing, Financial Services, and Telecommunications, translating industry-specific complexity into scalable technology outcomes.

Automotive & ManufacturingFinancial ServicesTelecomSmart Factory / SDV
🌟

Organizational Leadership & Talent

Building high-performance organizations from the ground up, recruiting, developing, and retaining technical and commercial talent across global, matrixed environments.

Global Team BuildingExecutive DevelopmentChange ManagementCulture & Retention

Voices

What Leaders Say

The true measure of leadership is the people who have experienced it firsthand.

"

While there may be leaders who are not developing trust with their employees, Michael is the consummate leader who could teach a master class on developing solid relationships with his direct reports. He is an incredible advocate for his team and establishes a safe space for thought-provoking, candid conversation. He earned my trust and I would enthusiastically work for him again.

Bill David
Managing Director, Portfolio of Companies · AWS Direct Report
On Trust and Advocacy
"

Michael has had an exemplary career in consulting technology and his prowess continues to show in his growth as a well-respected leader. He challenged the status quo, navigated difficult topics with remarkable skill and care, and always offered a diverse perspective that considered the whole rather than a subset. He possesses the full 360-degree portfolio of qualities to be an effective and transformative leader at the highest levels.

Rob Solomon
Vice Dean of Executive Programs, NYU Stern School of Business
On Career Excellence and Character
"

Michael is a leader in thought, discussion, and class participation, never a dull moment when it comes to his interaction. He provided unique and diverse opinions and clearly communicated his thoughts across a large group in a manner that caught the attention of every listener. His verbal delivery and communication style are qualities that warrant leadership at the highest levels.

Prof. Anindya Ghose
Heinz Riehl Chair Professor of Business, NYU Stern School of Business
On Intellect and Presence
"

Your journey from Wilson, North Carolina to Global Head at Amazon Web Services embodies the very ideals we uphold at MCNY. Your commitment to creating STEM pathways for underrepresented youth is a powerful example of using success as a lasting platform for community impact. Your story will inspire our graduates and affirm the values that define our mission.

Dr. Charles J. Gibbs
President, Metropolitan College of New York
On Legacy and Impact
"

Michael brought tremendous value to our CSM Leadership Team at AWS. He often asked the hard questions, the ones that needed to be raised, always respectfully and professionally. He helped me gain new perspectives on leadership, our customers, and the Automotive and Manufacturing industry. He embraced Amazon's Leadership Principles and served as a model for others to follow.

John Loiacono IV
Customer Success Leader at AWS · Peer Colleague
On Strategic Thinking and Standards
"

Michael is an outstanding SAP professional focused on helping clients succeed in their Application Lifecycle Management requirements. His client-facing management and technical skills are exceptional and worthy of year-after-year accolades. His authenticity and high EQ have consistently made him a respected professional that both internal and external constituencies repeatedly want to work with. His value-focused approach drives his team's energy toward high-value outcomes his clients point to as key to their success.

Michael DiGiandomenico
CEO and President · Former Direct Manager at SAP
On Client Excellence and EQ
View All Testimonials

Credentials

Professional Certifications & Licenses

Validated expertise spanning cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, and enterprise selling, earned through Amazon Web Services.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Way of Selling: Executive Essentials for AI
Generative AI Tools Executive Presentations
Verify on Credly
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Partner: Generative AI Essentials
Generative AI Tools AWS IoT
Verify on Credly
Amazon Web Services
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Cloud Computing AWS Services Security & Compliance
Verify on Credly

Leadership Beyond the Organization

Board and Community Affiliations

Executive leadership that extends into the community, the classroom, and the next generation of technologists.

🏠
Enclave at Sherwood HOA · Delray Beach, FL
Vice President · Board of Directors
Elected Vice President of the Enclave at Sherwood Homeowners Association, bringing the same operational discipline and people-first leadership. Responsible for supporting board governance, overseeing community initiatives, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring the standards and quality of life that residents expect.
🎓
Metropolitan College of New York
Honorary Doctorate Honoree · Class of 2025
Recognized for contributions to innovation, leadership, and educational equity. Delivered commencement address at the Jacob Javits Center, New York City.
🔬
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Member · 1996 to Present
Long-standing commitment to advancing engineering education and professional development for underrepresented communities in STEM fields.
🏛️
NYU Alumni Association (NYUAA)
Board Nominee · NYU Stern MBA
Nominated to the NYUAA Board of Directors for demonstrated leadership, relationship building, and commitment to the NYU community and alumni network.
⚡
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Keeper of Finance · Alpha Upsilon Chapter · 2011 to Present
Omega Man of the Year 2018. Superior Service Award recipient. Committee Chair for community blood drives serving the Bedford-Stuyvesant community.
🌿
YMCA
Youth Mentor · 2006 to Present
Two decades of mentoring young professionals, with a focus on creating STEM pathways and career clarity for youth in underserved communities.
🍽️
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church
Soup Kitchen Supporter · 2011 to Present
Providing meals, clothing, and social counseling for individuals in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community through the church's ongoing outreach programs.
⛳ 📚 🤝

Outside of the boardroom, An avid golfer, Michael finds the same discipline on the course that guides his professional approach: patience, strategic thinking, and knowing when to commit. He is deeply committe, strategic thinking, and knowing when to commit. He is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service, with 20+ years mentoring young professionals and creating access to STEM careers for students who remind him of where he came from.

The best leaders, he believes, are also students of life, curious, connected, and always building something meaningful beyond the role.

Beyond the Resume

A Life Shaped by Fields, Streets, and Greens

Before the boardrooms and keynote stages, there were tobacco fields in North Carolina, Brooklyn block parties, and fairways that taught patience better than any executive training program ever could.

Read the Full Story
NC
Roots & Origin
23
Years in NYC
⛳
Golf Philosophy
Ω Ψ Φ
Life Member

Let's Connect

Ready for the Next Chapter

Dr. Michael A. Hastings

Currently exploring executive leadership opportunities as Executive Director, VP of Technology, or Head of AI Transformation, bringing 25+ years of cloud governance, AI deployment, and enterprise revenue outcomes to organizations building for the next era.

✉️  [email protected] 📞  +1 (929) 699-3277 🔗  linkedin.com/in/michaelahastingsphd 📄  Download Dr. Hastings' Resume (PDF)  Connect on LinkedIn