Chris Holder
Commercial Sales Director, US Federal, Microsoft
Chris Holder leads the contact sales motion for Microsoft’s commercial products with federal government customers. In FY24, he oversaw the licensing sales motions to secure the Defense Department’s commitment to Microsoft’s most secure and most collaborative cloud SaaS products.
In the same period, he oversaw $725 million of cloud and software sales to the federal departments providing citizens services; led Microsoft’s efforts to secure a six-year $2.5 billion IDIQ for cloud and software products for the intelligence community; and introduced a new set of products to meet the security requirements of this important federal segment.
“Over his 25-plus years of industry experience, Chris applies a wealth of knowledge and expertise to assist our teams, our partners and U.S. federal government customers in finding mutually beneficial and compliant solutions to even the most complex of endeavors,” said Candice Ling, senior vice president of Microsoft Federal. “Chris leads with integrity, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers alike. Chris is a prime example of what contract excellence can achieve, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him on our team.”
Why Watch
In 2024, Holder and his team are heavily focused on migrating legacy workloads to modern cloud AI solutions that drive better productivity and reduce costs for the government. In this next year, they will see the federal government begin to harness the power of Microsoft’s AI solutions that will result in better service and support to citizens while helping defend the nation.
“By focusing on the interests of our customers in the federal government, I approach negotiations as a framework for creative problem-solving and mutual needs,” Holder said.
Fun fact: With almost 20 years of experience at Microsoft, Holder has supported nearly every federal cabinet, department and agency. He has also worked in global program management with some of Microsoft’s largest customers and partners.
