Rob Thomas is Senior Vice President Software and Chief Commercial Officer, IBM. He leads IBM’s software business, including product management and design, product development and business development. In addition, Rob has global responsibility for IBM revenue and profit, including worldwide sales, strategic partnerships and ecosystem. In his over 20 years in IBM, Rob has held roles in Consulting, Microelectronics and Software, including two years leading teams in Tokyo, Japan. In 2007, Rob joined IBM’s software business, focused on data and analytics. He has held a variety of roles including product engineering and business development, leading IBM’s transition from databases to delivering broader analytical capabilities, investing in open source, and eventually artificial intelligence. Rob has also overseen numerous transformational acquisitions, representing over $20 billion in transaction value.Rob is also the author of four books on technology and innovation. His most recent book, AI Value Creators, was released in 2025 and shares practical ways to plan your generative AI journey to take maximum advantage of this new innovation while transforming your business. Rob also publishes ‘The Mentor’ on Substack (robdthomas.substack.com), sharing monthly lessons on leadership, life and personal development.