Johanna Koester

Johanna Koester is a retired IBM professional with an extensive career spanning nearly 34 years at the company.2 During her time at IBM, she held significant roles in developer advocacy and leadership.

Career Highlights

Johanna's career at IBM was marked by several notable achievements:

• Developer Advocacy Leadership: She served as the Director of Worldwide Developer Advocacy for IBM.4 In this role, she led a diverse and talented team of developer advocates around the globe, which she considered the absolute highlight of her work at IBM.3

• Developer Offering Management: Johanna gained experience in managing developer offerings, contributing to IBM's engagement with the developer community.1

• Open Source Strategy: She was involved in open source software strategy and execution, aligning with IBM's commitment to open technologies.1

• Community Building: Johanna played a significant role in building and nurturing developer communities, fostering collaboration and innovation.1

Advocacy and Values

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Johanna is known for her strong advocacy in several areas:

• Women in Tech: She is a vocal supporter of women in the technology industry.4

• Diversity and Inclusion: Johanna champions diversity and inclusion initiatives, both within IBM and in the broader tech community.4

• Work-Life Balance: As indicated by her current title, she advocates for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

• Mentorship: Her role as a coach and mentor suggests a commitment to developing and supporting others in their careers.

Retirement and Legacy

Johanna Koester officially retired from IBM on July 25, 2022, after a career spanning nearly 34 years.2 Her retirement marked the end of a significant chapter in her professional life, one that she had long imagined and planned for.2

Throughout her career, Johanna has been known for her leadership in developer advocacy, her commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her efforts in fostering a supportive and innovative tech community. Her impact at IBM and in the wider technology sector continues to be felt through the initiatives she championed and the professionals she mentored and inspired.