Business & Technology Executive • AI & Data Strategist • Operations Expert
Elevate with clarity. Lead with purpose.
Business & Technology Executive • AI & Data Strategist • Operations Expert
Elevate with clarity. Lead with purpose.
A little bit about me ...
Hey there,
I’m Scott Davis, a senior executive in global operations, finance, and technology with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations scale, transform, and thrive. My career has taken me from scrappy startups to PE-backed disruptors to global enterprises, and the common thread has always been the same: turning complexity into clarity and building systems, teams, and strategies that actually work.
If it involves growth, operational excellence, or unlocking the power of data and AI, I am usually the one in the room raising my hand.
A few defining chapters of my career
Exponential Growth:
As CEO and Founder of BluWater Consulting, I led growth that propelled us onto the Inc. 500 list with rates of 1,526 percent in 2006, 1,143 percent in 2007, and 51 percent in 2010. We topped the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies list and built a culture that consistently outperformed expectations.
Transformational Leadership:
I have built and led large technical teams of data scientists, engineers, and architects, and advised Fortune 500 organizations on AI, data architecture, machine learning, and analytics. Azure, Databricks, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Data Mesh, Lakehouse. If it drives insight or automation, I have probably built it, scaled it, or fixed it.
People First Leadership:
I have built high performing teams from the ground up, shifting employee engagement from negative to positive NPS after an acquisition and sustaining client NPS at 86 percent. Culture is not a buzzword for me. It is a performance engine.
Multi Dimensional Executive:
From seed stage ventures to 60 million dollar organizations, I have run multi region P&Ls, reduced operating costs by 45 percent while expanding margins, and delivered AI enabled workflows that scaled across continents. Think of me as a Swiss Army knife for operational, technology, and financial transformation.
Successful Exits:
I have led four exits to public, private, and PE buyers. My approach blends strategy, culture, and disciplined execution to maximize enterprise value and ensure organizations do not just exit, they elevate.
Currently
I am actively pursuing full time executive opportunities and, in the meantime, offering fractional COO, CEO, and CFO support for organizations navigating growth, transformation, or operational complexity. I help founders and leadership teams stabilize operations, build scalable systems, strengthen financial discipline, and unlock the next stage of growth. It is the perfect blend of strategy, execution, and hands on leadership, supported by plenty of AI, systems, and spreadsheets.
Beyond the work
I am grounded by family, the outdoors, and a commitment to wellness. Hiking, fitness, nutrition, cooking as an enthusiastic amateur chef, and exploring new places all keep me balanced. I am also endlessly curious about AI and how it is reshaping the way we live and work. In short, I am building a life that is as intentional as the companies I help lead.
Professional Experience
Vistara, Inc.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Bend, OR | 2025 – Present
Pre‑revenue startup providing accounting, operational advisory, & fractional C‑Suite support to small and medium businesses.
- Advising early‑stage founders and SMBs on entity formation, operational setup, financial systems, and capital readiness
- Designing and implementing accounting, finance, and workflow infrastructure that supports scalable, compliant operations
- Coordinating with attorneys, accountants, lenders, and other advisors to ensure aligned, founder‑friendly guidance
- Developing a repeatable service model and early go‑to‑market strategy while building strategic partnerships
- Improving founder cash‑flow visibility and financial decision‑making to reduce operational risk
- Establishing internal processes, tools, and frameworks that will support future growth of the firm
Hiline, LLC
Chief Operating Officer | New York | 2024 - 2025
VC‑backed SaaS accounting services startup ($10M ARR, 50 employees) delivering AI‑enabled accounting, tax, and HR services.
- Increased gross margin from 37% to 51%, improved NDR from 74% to 100%, improved costs, aligned delivery with client success
- Led integration of a reverse‑merger acquisition, unifying systems, teams and service delivery under a single operating model
- Partnered with C-Suite and PE sponsor on operating rhythm, acquisitions deal reviews, prioritization and board level reporting
- Built AI enabled workflows and automations, standardized KPIs & OKRs, modernized capacity planning for scale and efficiency
The Channel Company, Inc.
Global Senior Vice President and General Manager | New York | 2022 - 2024
PE-owned; $120M ARR, 525 employees; media, data, agency, and strategy services.
- Institutionalized enterprise AI and Data Governance strategy and thought leadership practices
- Achieved NDR of 114% and transformed employee sentiment to positive NPS within 12 months
- Reduced operating costs by 35% and expanded gross margins by 10% YoY
- Integrated 5acquisitions, harmonizing culture, processes, and platforms
- Partnered with C‑Suite and PE firm on operating rhythm and investment prioritization
Reply, Inc. (Formally The Spur Group)
Chief Delivery Officer | Seattle | 2019 - 2022
Public (XMIL: REY); $2.2B ARR, 15,000 employees; technology and professional services.
- Scaled organization from 180 to 360 employees (26% CAGR) in 3 years across 6 P&Ls; delivered 20% YoY revenue growth
- Grew ARR 101% through portfolio diversification and service expansion
- Expanded gross margin from 45% to 52% through pricing discipline and operational efficiency
- Sustained NPS of 86% YoY through standardized delivery quality programs
- Integrated Azure, NetSuite ERP, OpenAir, HubSpot, Power Apps, and Power BI
- Led diligence and integration for acquisition and successful shareholder exit
Managing Director (MD) – AI, ML and Data Analytics
- Grew ARR from $0 to $1.5M in Year 1 and to $11M within three years, achieving 171% CAGR
- Built a 60‑person AI/ML team skilled in Data Science, Data Engineering, Machine Learning, and Application Development
- Created and expanded Generative AI and predictive ML solutions for Fortune 500 clients
- Promoted to CDO within 6 months to lead enterprise‑wide delivery, service expansions, data and AI strategies
Envorso, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer | Seattle | 2015 - 2019
Private; 70 employees, $30M ARR; software development and strategy services.
- Built FP&A function and established operating rhythms, leading Accounting, HR, IT, and service delivery
- Designed MCDA models to guide complex M&A decisions
- Delivered $3M+ revenue in first 9 months, and served as lead strategist for Ford’s $1B technology M&A portfolio
- Implemented ITIL & ISO 27001, strengthening governance and compliance
Skyfire Solutions, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer - Fractional | Seattle | 2010 - 2015
Post‑acquisition Technology and Strategy Consulting company following BluWater’s exit
- Led $65MAgile program impacting 119M T-Mobile subscribers
- Rolled out Agile/Scrum across 12 projects and 800 team members
- Managed due diligence and integrations; led a $50M strategic market divestiture for T‑Mobile
- Served as Interim CEO to establish U.S. operations for TPG, a project management software company based in Munich, Germany
BluWater Consulting, Inc.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Seattle | 2000 - 2010
Private Technology Consulting company; 150 employees, $25M ARR, acquired by Capgemini
- Founded and bootstrapped technology services company from startup to #181 in the Inc. 5000.
- YoY ARR growth, with growth results of 1,526% in 2006, 1,143% in 2007, and 51% in 2010.
- Grew the account base from 3 to over 45 clients in 3 years and scaled the number of employees from 9 to 150.
- Reduced account concentration from 80% down to 21% in less than 3 yrs.
- Winner of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s #1 Fastest Growing Company in Washington.
- 3x Nominee for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, 3x Inc. 5000 America’s Fastest-Growing Private Company Honoree as CEO.
- Partnered with the executive team to evaluate and execute expansion & growth opportunities including organic & growth through acquisitions.
- Led origination, due diligence, negotiations, & successful exit to Capgemini (EPA:CAP), $32.3B market cap, $22.5B ARR, 337,000 employees.
Inteliant, Inc.
Managing Director - Data Platforms | Seattle | 1998 - 2000
Private Company, acquired by SOS Staffing (NASDAQ:SOSS), 800 employees, $209M ARR, IT Consulting
- Drove Western Wireless data and enterprise systems carve‑out, creating T‑Mobile USA
- Delivered enterprise data platforms, security and data governance programs
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Wireless Number Portability, leading programs for T-Mobile and Western Wireless
Nokia
System Engineer | Seattle | 1995 - 1998
Public Company, (NYSE:NOK), Market Cap $24.6B, $23B ARR, 86,689 employees, voice and data hardware.
· Directed design and integration of advanced data transport solutions
· Spearheaded end‑to‑end software development, implementations and customer support
Board Exerperience
LIDO, Inc.
Board Member and Interim COO & CFO | 2018 - 2025
LIDO, Inc. stands out as a technology start-up focused on solving system interoperability and business process issues that are crippling clinical trials. Spearheaded by clinicians their leadership and extensive background in clinical trials research, has positioned LIDO at the forefront of the industry.
• Filling expertise and experience gaps in operations, finance, and technology.
• Introducing the LIDO team to potential investors and key technologists.
• Advising on positioning and business model strategy to help navigate LIDO's growth path effectively.
employHER, Inc.
Board Member | 2016 - 2022
At employHER, Inc., a trailblazing video-focused professional networking platform is transforming how professionals connect. Founded in Seattle, WA in 2016, this innovative company is a certified Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. They've partnered with top-tier clients like Amazon, Accenture, and Toyota, fostering career growth and knowledge sharing through dynamic video interactions.
• Provided strategic advice on prevailing market trends and industry best practices.
• Bridged critical gaps in expertise and experience, particularly within operations & finance.
• Served as a reliable confidant for navigating complex people and organizational issues.
Decisive Data, Inc.
Board Member | 2017 - 2018
Decisive Data, Inc. was renowned for its groundbreaking data services. The company’s proficiency spanned a comprehensive suite of offerings, including Business Intelligence, Application Development, Business Analyst Support, Data Analytics, Data Platform, Data Warehouse Architecture, ETL, Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Data Visualization, Big Data, Data Mining, Data Warehousing, Tableau Consulting, and Data Pipeline. Acquired by Calligo.
• Provided insights on the business plan, identifying potential risks and opportunities.
• Advised on positioning and business model strategy to help navigate Decisive’s growth path effectively.
• Acted as a sounding board for people and organizational issues.
Cyemptive, Inc.
Board Member | 2017 - 2018
Since 2014, Cyemptive has been on a mission to revolutionize the cybersecurity industry by shifting from a reactive stance to a fully pre-emptive approach. Their award-winning solutions redefine security by employing automated techniques to pre-emptively neutralize threats, including unknown Zero Day attacks, where traditional human-dependent, post-breach detection, and AI solutions fall short. Cyemptive empowers customers by putting them in control of their security, stopping threats before any damage occurs.
• Offered critical insights into the company's business blueprint and industry benchmarks related to consulting services.
CareConnext
Board Member | 2017 - 2018
CareConnext streamlines healthcare data management with cutting-edge AI. Its platform ensures smooth transitions to modern systems, featuring AI-powered data mapping for precision and efficiency, real-time monitoring for data quality, and advanced analytics for informed decision-making. With robust network security and a focus on patient care, especially for cardiac failure patients, CareConnext integrates seamlessly with EHR systems to enhance overall patient care and data security.
• Offered critical insights into the company's business blueprint and industry benchmarks related to consulting services.
WINTR
Board Member and Interim COO | 2016 - 2017
WINTR, Inc. emerged as a beacon in the digital marketing landscape, redefining industry standards through its innovative approach. More than a mere digital marketing firm, WINTR was a visionary force that propelled brands to new pinnacles in the digital space — a nexus where strategic foresight, technological prowess, and creative genius yielded unparalleled outcomes. The company’s trajectory culminated in a strategic acquisition.
• Offered critical insights into the company's business blueprint and industry benchmarks.
• Bridged vital gaps in expertise, particularly in operations and finance.
• Provided strategic counsel on positioning and business model refinement.
BluWater Consulting
Board Chair | 2000 - 2010
Founded and grew this company to 150 employees with 3 offices. Provided Business Intelligence, Data Integration, IT Security, Program Management, and Software Development services to over 45 Fortune 500 companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Dell, Home Depot, T-Mobile, AT&T, Nordstrom, and Univar.
Led this Inc. 5000, award-winning and highly-successful technology consultancy firm. Directed operations, strategic planning, and global service delivery, with full P&L responsibility. Provided cross-functional management with a talented team of 9 direct reports, 8 Business Development Executives, and up to 150 employees in 3 offices - Bellevue, Chicago, and Atlanta. Led acquisition efforts of the company, from start to finish. Worked in partnership with investment banks and potential investors. Executed a 4-month Due Diligence process and transitioned internal operations post-investment.
TECHNOLOGY
ML Solutions – Predictive Text for Outlook iOS
Led a global, cross‑functional program to design and deploy machine learning models powering predictive text completion in Outlook for iOS. Coordinated geographically dispersed engineering and data science teams to architect, train, and optimize natural language models that enhanced user productivity and typing efficiency.
Key elements of the initiative included:
- End‑to‑end delivery oversight; from model development and mobile integration to rigorous testing and rollout.
- Scalable architecture ensuring accuracy, performance, and seamless user experience across diverse environments.
- Cross‑regional collaboration aligning distributed talent and expertise into a unified execution framework.
- Applied ML innovation that advanced Outlook’s intelligent features and positioned predictive text as a core user productivity enhancer.
Result: Demonstrated the ability to align global teams, cutting‑edge ML techniques, and enterprise product requirements into a unified, high‑impact solution that elevated Outlook’s mobile experience.
Institutionalizing Data, Analytics, AI & ML Thought Leadership
At Reply, I led the institutionalization of data, analytics, AI/ML, and strategic thought leadership by embedding advanced analytics and executive‑level insights into the company’s operating rhythm. This repositioned data and AI from a peripheral capability into a core driver of portfolio optimization, client engagement, and revenue growth.
Key elements of the initiative included:
- Repeatable playbooks for data‑enabled strategy delivery, ensuring consistency across services and internal operations.
- Predictive analytics integration into go‑to‑market strategies, elevating client outcomes and decision quality.
- Market differentiation through organizational credibility as a thought leader in analytics adoption, improving win rates in competitive pitches.
- Unified leadership narrative around AI and data‑enabled transformation, reinforcing culture and accelerating adoption.
Result: Established a sustainable, enterprise‑wide capability that strengthened market position and proved how AI and data strategy can be institutionalized to deliver measurable business impact.
