Phillip Fernandez

Phil Fernandez is a prominent figure in the tech industry, known for his expertise in technology and marketing. He boasts a career spanning over 35 years, with a remarkable journey from software engineering to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO.

 
Educational Background
 

Fernandez started his educational journey at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from 1978 to 1982. His time at Stanford not only provided him with a solid educational foundation but also set the stage for his future endeavors in the tech industry.

 
Early Professional Career
 

Phil began his professional career at Masstor Systems as Director of System Software from 1981 to 1985. He then joined Stanford University as an IT Director, where he served until 1988. This role at Stanford marked the start of his long-standing connection with the intersection of technology and organizational strategies.

 
Career Growth and Leadership
 

From 1988 to 1991, Fernandez was the Director of Software Engineering at Metaphor Computer Systems. He then moved on to become COO of Red Brick Systems, a role he held from 1991 to 1999. His tenure here honed his skills in corporate operations and strategic planning.

In 1999, Phil joined Epiphany, Inc., initially as President and later as COO, where he stayed until 2005. His leadership here helped shape the company's software and marketing strategies. This experience was crucial in his career as it paved the way for his most notable achievement—co-founding Marketo in 2006.

 
Marketo and Industry Impact
 

At Marketo, Phil served as Chairman & CEO for a decade. Under his leadership, the company flourished, culminating in a successful IPO in 2013. Marketo became a leader in marketing automation software, thanks to Fernandez’s vision and strategic expertise. He retired from Marketo after its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners but left an indelible mark on the industry.

 
Post-Marketo Ventures
 

Post-Marketo, Phil transitioned to advisory and board roles, continuing to influence the tech landscape. He served as a Director at various companies, including Gigya, Yext, PTC, Collibra, and Braze. Additionally, he was a Special Advisor at Shasta Ventures, working closely with entrepreneurs and new ventures in areas like enterprise SaaS, IoT platforms, and VR/AR applications.

 
Mentorship and Legacy
 

Throughout his illustrious career, Fernandez has been revered not just for his leadership but also for his mentorship. He is known for guiding emerging companies and entrepreneurs, sharing his wealth of knowledge in demand generation, marketing automation, strategic partnerships, and more.

Phil Fernandez's journey from a history graduate to a tech industry leader exemplifies the impact of combining passion, knowledge, and strategic vision. His contributions to companies and the broader tech community continue to shape the industry, making him a respected and influential figure in Silicon Valley and beyond.