If you have been in the data center industry for a while you know who Mike Manos is where he drove Microsoft’s first data center construction projects. Here is a picture of Mike from his Microsoft days.
Mike has gone through careers at Digital Realty Trust, Nokia, and AOL, growing his IT management skills.
And now Michael has a new role as CTO at First Data reporting to the CEO. It was pleasure to see that Mike has made it to CTO role. Mike and I had many conversations in his Microsoft office or at the local Wendy’s. I wouldn’t go to Wendy's as often as Mike did, but whenever I see the Wendy’s memories of discussing data centers, PUE, and the industry come back. The burgers are good there and Mike said many times he saw Bill Gates there.
I remember when Mike said he had job offers to leave Microsoft and what I think. I was supportive of Mike leaving as he had so much more potential than being the data center guy. Mike is one of those people who employees enjoy working for. Mike has clear vision, fights for the right thing to do, and go to battle for his team. These are the same skills that our departed Olivier Sanche had as well and had the same passion for data centers.
Data Center Operations teaches people many things that can be applied to other parts of IT, and more and more data center executives are growing beyond just running the data centers. First Data has hired one of people who have their foundation in data centers which makes things more real than the Public Cloud.
“Mike is a key addition to our world-class leadership team and his knowledge and expertise enhances our ability to provide our clients with cutting-edge technology,” said Chiarello. “He is a seasoned technology management executive with a proven track record of successful revenue generation. Mike’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to improve our financial position and seek to grow First Data’s business as the global leader and most trusted, reliable and secure network.”
“I am excited to join the new First Data,” said Manos. “First Data is the biggest player in the payments industry yet it also has an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. In my role as chief technology officer, I will help First Data maintain and grow its market-leading position as a technology company, a payments company, a security company and a solutions provider.”
Mike put his own post up.
Well after a bit of time in stealth I am finally able to announce that I have taken the position of Chief Technology Officer at First Data.
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The move to First Data is an incredibly exciting move for me for many different reasons but one of the key drivers for me is that I feel that this industry is ripe for change. It’s a move for me from running and building large scale Internet products and infrastructure to the Financial Services Industry.
Mike’s move has a fair amount of coverage by the media.