San Diego, California
Paul J. Gschwendtner
Senior Technology & Digital Transformation Leader
Certified AI Professional
Featured Builds
San Diego, California
Senior Technology & Digital Transformation Leader
Certified AI Professional
Featured Builds
About Me
20+ years delivering end-to-end digital transformation across biotech, consumer electronics, and enterprise technology.
I specialize in turning internal complexity into customer-facing value through cross-functional alignment, smart automation, and a relentless focus on measurable outcomes.
At Illumina, I led the company's transformation from a hardware-only model to a scalable digital products business. That meant commercializing internal tools into SaaS and PaaS offerings, launching self-serve eCommerce with real-time activation, and integrating SAP, Salesforce, Zuora, and SnapLogic to automate the entire quote-to-live process.
More recently, I was tasked with assessing where AI could automate work across the business and within my own team. I built and executed an action plan centered on Microsoft Copilot, automating meeting documentation and follow-ups, reporting and data analysis, and repetitive administrative and communication tasks, while evaluating Claude, ChatGPT, and other leading AI platforms alongside Copilot to guide broader adoption.
Before Illumina, I held senior roles at Sony Electronics and GE, building B2B/B2C eCommerce platforms from scratch, leading large-scale system migrations, and managing cross-functional teams across high-impact IT and digital initiatives.
I hold a Harvard Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management and a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Penn State, along with multiple AI and technology certifications.
Identifying where AI can remove manual work across a business, then building and executing action plans with Microsoft Copilot and other leading AI platforms to make it real.
Connecting pricing, packaging, and delivery into one seamless motion, turning technical infrastructure into customer-ready solutions that sell, renew, and scale.
Creating clarity early, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining momentum through delivery. Outcomes over ownership, even navigating legacy systems and shifting priorities.
Designing workflows that anticipate handoffs and automate repetitive steps, creating sustainable solutions that reduce errors and accelerate delivery at scale.
Experience
From startup-style launches to global enterprise transformations across biotech, consumer electronics, and industrial technology.
Held multiple leadership roles including Technical Program Manager, Product Owner, System Owner, Lead Analyst, and Developer, across 20+ IT and cloud software projects in close collaboration with R&D and commercial teams to deliver cloud-based DNA analysis applications and commercialize Illumina's digital products.
Skills & Certifications
A blend of strategic leadership and hands-on technical depth across enterprise systems, digital commerce, and AI.
Licenses & Certifications
Education
Business strategy + technology foundations from two institutions with a track record of academic excellence.
Core focus on Technology Leadership · Maintained a 3.7/4.0 GPA while working full-time
Computer Science with Core Business, Finance, Management and Analysis · Dean's List · Co-founder & President of campus Computer & Technology MIS Club
Recognition
Giving Back
Community involvement across housing, hunger relief, youth education, and peer mentorship.
Endorsements
Direct feedback from managers, teammates, and peers.
Paul was an excellent resource as a project manager on the E-Commerce technology team I managed. Although I was his skip-level manager I recall how impressed we were with his work ethic as well as how quickly he transitioned into the role and add value to a seasoned team. I liked his energy and passion for the company and his thirst to gain more skills and aid in some of our toughest times during that period - He is a great talent.
Paul is a very capable and personable individual who is a leader. He became president of the MIS club on campus and revitalized the club by actively increasing membership and reaching out to the community to become involved with the club. Paul is able to work independently and digs deep to find answers on his own. I highly recommend Paul.
Let's Connect
If you're navigating a complex digital transformation, scaling software offerings, or driving operational efficiency for measurable impact, I'd love to connect.