Bio and experience

With over 25 years of experience, I've worked with technologies that have transformed industries, and led products, narratives, and strategies to make this happen. From early-stage startups to Fortune 500 enterprises, I thrive on aligning technology with market needs to deliver real outcomes. My passion lies in building high-performing teams, fostering collaborative environments, and translating complex concepts into impactful, user-centric products.

As a seasoned executive and advisor, I bring a strategic mindset, deep technical understanding, and a focus on results.

Experience

Sysdig — VP Open Source Ecosystem

Drove adoption and commercialization for open source threat detection platform Falco at Sysdig, a cloud security leader.

  • Spearheaded open source product strategy, resulting in Falco's CNCF graduation and adoption by 10,000+ organizations (including Apple, Shopify, Red Hat...).

  • Built and led high-performing developer advocacy & marketing team, driving user-focus, adoption, and contribution.

  • Championed sales enablement, data-driven GTM strategy, empowering commercial teams and driving revenue growth.

2022–2024

Google — Open Source Programs Office

Drove strategy and execution for Google's open source initiatives, engaging cross-functionally across multiple PAs and working with teams including TensorFlow, Kubernetes, Go, and Beam.

  • Led 20+ program management org and project portfolio resourcing the value-generating side of Google’s open source investments.

  • Transformed open source strategy team, scaling its impact across Google, with subteams dedicated to key areas like AI/ML, Cloud Native, and Security, supporting projects with $XB impact.

  • Built a vibrant external ecosystem for TensorFlow, fostering contributions, partnerships, and industry adoption. Spearheaded initiatives including open governance (RFCs), the SIG program for external ownership, and the flagship TensorFlow World conference.

2017-2022

Silicon Valley Data Science — VP Strategy & Marketing

Launched data consulting firm as part of founding executive team, focusing on data science-driven product and strategy. Built a high-value consulting brand, attracting clients such as Target and Nike, and drove industry thought leadership. Company acquired by Apple.

2013-2017

O’Reilly Media — Conference Chair, Technology Analyst

Built and led O'Reilly's industry-defining Strata conference, growing it to a 5,000+ attendee marquee event for the data industry, establishing thought leadership in the emerging field of big data and data science. Also chaired OSCON, the global gathering point for open source leaders. Led development of conference management technology.

Useful Information Company — Founder & CEO

Built Expectnation, a SaaS platform for managing conferences, delivering conferences in excess of 10,000 delegates. Acquired by O’Reilly Media.

2002-2008

2008-2013

Bridgehead International — MD, Pharmalicensing

Director of Pharmalicensing, led business and technology teams, positioning company for acquisition by UTEK in 2007. Board member.

2004-2006

Pharmalicensing — Co-founder & CTO

Co-founded and built an online platform for life sciences IP exchange. Sold to Bridgehead International.

1999-2002

Press Association — Head of Web Development

Pioneering web initiatives in UK media including first online Olympics coverage, Prince Charles’ first web site, live soccer coverage to phones.

1995-1999

Speaker and author bio

Short version

Edd Wilder-James is a technology executive and open source leader with a proven track record of driving innovation within both startups and established tech giants. His expertise lies in building transformative products and vibrant ecosystems in domains such as AI/ML, cloud-native, and open source. With extensive experience at Google, and as a startup founder, he brings a strategic mindset, cross-functional leadership, and a passion for harnessing emerging technologies to solve real-world problems.

Extended version

Edd Wilder-James is a technology executive and open source leader with a distinguished career driving innovation across startups and established tech companies. He has a proven track record of building transformative products and vibrant ecosystems in domains such as AI/ML, cloud-native, and open source. As VP of Open Source Ecosystem at Sysdig, Edd spearheaded the commercialization of their open source threat detection platform, Falco, helping achieve CNCF graduation and widespread adoption.

Prior to Sysdig, Edd’s extensive experience at Google included leading strategy and execution for open source initiatives across multiple product areas, including TensorFlow, Kubernetes, Go, and Beam. He played a pivotal role in scaling Google's open source impact and fostering the growth of the TensorFlow ecosystem. Edd entrepreneurial drive led him to join Silicon Valley Data Science as a founding exec, a data consulting firm later acquired by Apple, where he focused on data science-driven product and strategy.

Beyond his technical leadership, Edd is experienced in setting strategic vision, cross-functional collaboration, and has a passion for mentoring and developing teams. A certified executive coach, he has a lifelong drive to help others succeed.