Sylvia Kainz

Professional Background

Sylvia Kainz is a highly accomplished Go-To-Market Operations and Partnership executive with a wealth of experience that spans both start-up environments and large-scale enterprise operations. With an impressive career that reflects her commitment to excellence and innovation, Sylvia has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in front-line operational leadership, particularly in Sales and Revenue Operations. Her strategic approach has consistently driven company revenues, exemplified by her remarkable ability to achieve over 50% revenue growth in multiple organizations. With expertise spanning software, applications, and SaaS (including platforms such as SFDC, Marketo, and Gainsight), Sylvia has positioned herself as a true leader in the B2B tech industry.

Her career is highlighted by a series of significant professional milestones, including three successful public exits via IPOs and considerable experience in orchestrating private sales. Throughout her tenure, she has built a reputation for being a focused and entrepreneurial team player who can bridge the gap between innovative ideas and actionable strategies, ensuring that operational goals align with overall business objectives.

Education and Achievements

Education is a cornerstone of Sylvia's professional foundation, having graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Zurich. This solid grounding in economic principles has served her well as she navigates the complexities of the tech industry. Furthering her academic credentials, Sylvia earned an MBA in General Management from the prestigious Harvard Business School, where she honed her strategic thinking and leadership abilities. Additionally, she has a Masters of Law and Diplomacy in International Relations from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, which has equipped her with unique insights into global market dynamics.

Sylvia’s academic achievements have laid the groundwork for a successful career marked by leadership roles in prominent companies. Her blend of educational experience and hands-on leadership has fostered a distinct approach to addressing market challenges and leveraging opportunities.

Notable Positions and Contributions

Throughout her diverse career, Sylvia has held several key leadership roles. As the Director of Global Connectivity Partnerships at Airbnb, she has played a pivotal role in forging strategic partnerships that enhance the platform's connectivity offering, aligning with Airbnb's mission of creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere.

Prior to her current role, Sylvia served as the Director of Global Revenue Operations at Airbnb, where she was instrumental in devising revenue strategies that helped scale the company's growth and operational effectiveness. Her experience as VP of Global Revenue Operations at Eventbrite further solidified her expertise in managing high-performing teams that have consistently met or exceeded corporate financial objectives.

Her earlier roles include Senior Director of Sales Operations and Strategy at Natera, VP of Business Operations at InsideView, Inc, Chief Operating Officer at Bradford Technologies, and Chief Operating Officer at Grid Dynamics. Each of these positions allowed her to implement critical operational improvements that resulted in substantial revenue growth and operational efficiencies.

Sylvia began her professional journey at Accenture as a Senior Manager in Strategy focusing on Media & Telecom, where she crafted innovative strategies for high-profile clients. She has also held positions such as Engagement Manager at Ikonic, Project Manager at Bally, and Associate Consultant at BCG, each contributing to her well-rounded expertise in both operational and strategic frameworks.

Achievements

Sylvia Kainz has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, primarily due to her exceptional ability to drive operational success and revenue growth. Her strategic initiatives have led to significant performance improvements and positioning her organizations for sustainable growth within the tech marketplace.

With a proven track record in launching, scaling, and growing businesses in competitive markets, Sylvia has continued to foster her commitment to excellence in every organization she has touched. Her strong focus on team collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit, and data-driven decision making has inspired her teams to pursue ambitious goals and achieve remarkable results.

Sylvia's leadership style emphasizes empowerment and accountability, ensuring that each team member has the tools and guidance to excel in their roles. She has created a culture of innovation and excellence wherever she has worked, earning her the respect of both colleagues and industry peers.

As she continues her journey in the field of Go-To-Market Operations and Partnerships, Sylvia Kainz remains dedicated to driving success and delivering exceptional value to her organizations and clients. Her unique blend of educational credentials, professional experience, and results-oriented mindset positions her as a guiding force in the tech industry and a sought-after leader in operational excellence.