Emily Cates

About Emily Cates

I am a transformation‑driven revenue and commercial operations leader with experience across early‑stage technology companies and global enterprises. My background spans HR, Services, and Sales Operations, giving me a multi‑functional perspective on how organizations grow, scale, and execute. My work focuses on simplifying complexity, aligning organizations around the highest‑value priorities, and building scalable systems that enable predictable, profitable growth.I lead global Revenue Operations for Zebra Technologies, integrating commercial processes, data, technology, and operating rhythms into a unified model that strengthens forecast accuracy, enhances pipeline quality, and embeds AI‑driven insights into daily execution. My goal is to ensure our commercial engine scales with precision across markets and business lines.I serve as Vice Board Chair for NC State University’s Business School and previously as an Advisory Board Member for TSIA. My work has been recognized through multiple industry awards, including the Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year.

Experience

1. VP Sales Transformation & Operations

   Zebra Technologies

   Jun 2021 — Present

   I lead global Sales Transformation & Operations with a focus on building the modern commercial engine our business needs for the next decade — one that is data driven, AI enabled, and designed to help our sellers, partners, and customers win faster and more consistently.My work centers on simplifying how we sell, improving how we operate, and elevating the experience of every seller and leader across the revenue ecosystem. I drive the programs and operating mechanisms that turn strategy into measurable outcomes:1. Modernizing the Go to Market Engine2. Architecting the RevOps Operating Model3. Scaling Inside Sales & Mid Market Growth Engines4. Designing the Sales Technology Stack 5. Leading Transformation Through People

Education

• North Carolina State University

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

• Harvard Business School

  Executive Education , Disruptive Strategy

  2020 — 2020

Skills

• Account Management
• Change Management
• Organizational Development
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• Training
• Performance Management
• Coaching
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Leadership
• Program Management
• Project Management
• Strategy
• Instructional Design
• Management
• Team Building
• Human Resources
• Talent Management