Christopher Yahna

About Christopher Yahna

For 26 years at Intel, I worked at the intersection of silicon, software, and market strategy — helping shape platform decisions that defined the PC, mobile, and enterprise computing eras. That kind of work teaches you how technology actually gets built, sold, and delivered at global scale.My work has always spanned the full stack from silicon platforms and systems hardware to SaaS product strategy and enterprise go-to-market. But what has defined my career as much as product strategy is business operations: building the planning cadences, governance structures, resource allocation frameworks, and cross-functional execution rhythms that let large, complex organizations actually move. At Intel, I led the Commercial Systems and Software portfolio across enterprise, mid-market, SMB, and MSP segments, delivering $250M in incremental revenue and 20% unit volume growth. I’ve run P&L, defined M&A strategy, built ISV and OEM ecosystems, and negotiated IP licensing agreements that resulted in Intel’s first integrated hardware-software graphics product for thin-and-light notebooks. I’ve also sat in the Chief of Staff seat for the SVP of a $32B business, which is a very particular education in how large organizations actually make decisions and get things done.Since founding Sapphire Alliance Group in 2023, I’ve been applying that experience as an advisor to high-tech and healthcare industry clients navigating AI strategy, hardware-software integration, competitive positioning, and acquisition decisions. The problems are different at every client, but the underlying work is the same: translate complex technology into strategies that actually move the business forward.I’m always interested in conversations with people working on hard problems at the intersection of AI, enterprise technology, and hardware-software platforms. If that’s the problem you are looking to solve, let’s connect.

Experience

1. President

   Sapphire Alliance Group

   Oct 2023 — Present · Portland, OR, US

   I founded Sapphire Alliance Group to bring senior-level technology strategy expertise directly to clients who need it, without the overhead of a large consultancy. The work spans AI solution strategy, hardware-software integration frameworks, competitive positioning, and acquisition due diligence across enterprise tech, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing.• Advise enterprise technology and healthcare clients on AI roadmap development, hardware-software integration strategy, and go-to-market execution for AI-enabled products targeting cloud, enterprise, and vertical market segments.• Lead acquisition due diligence and product portfolio assessments for clients across healthcare, medical construction, and high-tech sectors, evaluating strategic fit, product-market alignment, and GTM readiness.• Design demand generation and partner channel programs using test-and-learn frameworks, helping clients compress time-to-market and build sustainable pipeline infrastructure.• Deliver competitive intelligence and market analysis that informs product positioning, investment prioritization, and executive decision-making for Fortune 500 and growth-stage technology clients.

Education

• Oregon State University

  BS, Business Administration - Marketing Management

Skills

• Product Marketing
• Manufacturing
• Consumer Electronics
• Strategic Partnerships
• Business Planning
• Semiconductor Industry
• Mobile Communications
• Software Project Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Outsourcing
• Mobile Devices
• Strategy
• Competitive Analysis
• Contract Negotiation
• Management
• Purchasing Negotiation
• Business Development
• Contractual Agreements
• Semiconductors
• Leadership
• Wireless
• Strategic Partner Relationship Management
• Purchasing
• Purchase Contracts
• Strategic Planning
• Odm Management
• Project Management
• Telecommunications
• Product Development
• Staff Development
• Business Strategy
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Account Management
• Partner Programs
• Software Development
• Customer Marketing
• Smartphones
• Integration
• Technical Marketing
• Licensing Negotiations