Hiro Minami

About Hiro Minami

Strategy and operations leader building and scaling partner ecosystems across SaaS and enterprise platforms. Leading partner strategic initiatives and operations at Avalara, shaping the operating model, programs, and platforms supporting a global partner ecosystem influencing $750M+ in recurring revenue.Expertise centers on turning complexity into scalable systems, owning cross-functional initiatives spanning partner programs, platform enablement, and executive operating cadence. Known for structuring ambiguity into clear, repeatable execution.Increasing focus on the practical application of AI and automation to improve execution velocity, decision quality, and operational leverage—using AI as an enabling layer, not a standalone transformation.

Experience

1. Director, Partner Program & Strategic Initiatives

   Avalara

   Dec 2023 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Leads partner strategy and operations for a global SaaS partner ecosystem, shaping the operating model, programs, and platforms that support partner-influenced growth at scale. Scope spans strategic planning, program architecture, operating cadence, and cross-functional execution across partner-facing teams.Owns complex, cross-functional initiatives that sit at the intersection of strategy and execution—translating leadership priorities into structured, scalable programs across partner enablement, platform engagement, and ecosystem operations. Serves as a connective layer between executive strategy and day-to-day execution.Increasing focus on applying AI and automation to improve how partner strategy and operations execute, including streamlining workflows, improving access to institutional knowledge, and increasing operational leverage across distributed teams. Emphasis remains on practical application and durable systems rather than point solutions.

Education

• Walla Walla University

  BBA, Marketing

  2006 — 2010

• Willamette University MBA

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Marketing/Marketing Management, General

  2012 — 2014

Skills

• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Web Development
• Social Media
• Problem Solving
• Social Media Marketing
• Research
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Project Planning
• Product Development
• Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Business Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Event Planning
• Graphic Design
• Copywriting
• Web Design
• Advertising
• Press Releases
• Blogging
• Consulting
• Market Research
• Editing
• Leadership
• Marketing Communications
• Competitive Analysis
• Start-Ups
• Management
• Brand Development