Ethan Yiqun Zhang

About Ethan Yiqun Zhang

I am an engineering executive specializing in large-scale data platforms and distributed systems, with a focus on high-performance query engines and enterprise SaaS delivery.At IBM, I lead the engineering organization responsible for the Presto-based execution stack within watsonx.data, owning the full lifecycle from open-source engine development through managed SaaS delivery, including query execution, optimization services, federation, and operational reliability. watsonx.data is a multi-engine platform, and my scope covers one of its core engines while partnering closely with peer leaders responsible for Spark and DataStax etc.My background combines deep technical roots in query execution and optimizers with executive-level leadership across global teams, open-source ecosystems, and post-acquisition integration. I focus on building scalable organizations, strong technical leadership layers, and systems that turn complex infrastructure into reliable, competitive products.

Experience

1. Program Director, Watsonx Data

   IBM

   Oct 2025 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Global Organizational Orchestration: Lead a 100+ person engineering organization across the US, India, and Ireland, maintaining high-velocity delivery and a culture of shared ownership across three distinct timezones.Strategic Open-Source Governance: Align the development of major open-source ecosystems—including Presto, Velox, and Apache Iceberg—with IBM’s enterprise AI and data roadmap, bridging the gap between community-led innovation and corporate ROI.Platform Engine & Optimization Ownership: Directly own the strategy and development for the core execution stack, including the disaggregated query optimizer (DB2), data federation services, and the Presto/Prestissimo engines.Enterprise SaaS Productization: Drive the full-lifecycle delivery of Presto-based solutions, scaling from core engine architecture to fully managed SaaS and BYOC (Bring Your Own Cloud) offerings to ensure broad market accessibility and operational reliability.Executive Technical Leadership: Provide deep-tech grounding across Java and native-engine layers, serving as a \"leader from the front\" to bring clarity and decisive execution to architects and engineering teams during critical product milestones.

Education

• University of Houston

  Master of Science - MS, Computer Science

  2013 — 2016

• University of Houston

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Computer Science

  2013 — 2017

• Liaoning University

  Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science

  2009 — 2013

Skills

• Hadoop
• Mapreduce
• Software Development
• Matlab
• Python
• Object Oriented Design
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Relational Databases
• Database Design
• Databases
• Paradigm4 Scidb
• Data Mining
• Machine Learning
• Database Systems
• C++
• C
• Programming
• Java
• Sql
• Linux
• Algorithms
• C#
• Mpi
• Openmp
• R
• Big Data
• Query Optimization
• Data Structures
• Computer Science
• Hp Vertica