Rich Dean

About Rich Dean

I am a product leader with a long career in Microsoft cloud, identity, and security, now focused on building the next generation of AI-powered IT platforms. Over the past 25 years, I’ve led products that help small, medium and enterprise businesses modernize, secure, and manage their Microsoft 365 environments with clarity and confidence.My journey has evolved from architecting hybrid infrastructures to designing SaaS products that reduce operational friction, improve resiliency, and simplify complex IT tasks. Today, my work centers on AI-driven management, automation, and decision support, helping IT teams achieve outcomes that were previously out of reach without deep expertise or large budgets.I lead cross-functional product initiatives, guide technical strategy, and work closely with engineering on solutions that blend identity security, cloud automation, and emerging AI techniques. My focus is on building practical, scalable tools that solve real problems in Microsoft ecosystems, from multi-tenant management to posture management, cloud backup, security assessments, and now an AI-powered Copilot agent for IT operations.Outside of product work, I share insights through speaking, writing, and podcasting. My writing lives at 365insights.blog where I publish ideas, frameworks, and stories from the field.I’m passionate about helping organizations embrace AI responsibly, strengthen their identity foundations, and modernize operations without unnecessary complexity. If you’re working on AI-enabled IT platforms, Microsoft 365 innovation, or the future of autonomous operations, I’m always open to connecting.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Product Management

   Syncro

   Jan 2025 — Present

   In my first year at Syncro, I led the evolution of the platform toward a modern, identity-centric, AI-enabled Microsoft 365 management experience for MSPs and small IT teams. I directed the strategy and delivery of XMM, Syncro’s next-generation multi-tenant Microsoft 365 management layer, while also bringing to market Posture Management, Cloud Backup, and Syncro Snapshot to strengthen security, resiliency, and operational clarity across customer environments. I guided Syncro’s AI and agentic initiatives, including the development of the Microsoft 365 Copilot Agent and the architectural foundations of the MCP Server that will power autonomous workflows and intelligent actions across the platform. My work centered on aligning Syncro’s roadmap with Microsoft Business Premium, E5 Security, and Intune, improving cross-team execution, and elevating Syncro’s position in the industry through thought leadership, partner collaboration, and product-led storytelling.

Skills

• Microsoft Exchange
• Messaging
• Windows Server
• Cloud Computing
• Lotusscript
• Sharepoint
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Powershell
• Email Migration
• Lotus Domino
• Office 365
• System Administration
• Servers
• Integration
• Microsoft Technologies