Norbert Funke
About Norbert Funke
Norbert Funke serves as the Global IoT and as-a-Service Sales Strategy and Enablement Lead at Hitachi Vantara, where he has worked since 2018. He has extensive experience in sales and marketing roles across various technology companies, including Symantec, Dell EMC, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Work at Hitachi Vantara
Norbert Funke serves as the Global IoT and as-a-Service Sales Strategy and Enablement Lead at Hitachi Vantara. He has held this position since 2018, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives in the Internet of Things (IoT) and as-a-Service offerings. In this role, he develops and implements global enablement programs that are designed to be repeatable and scalable, aligning with the customer buying process. Funke also orchestrates global sales kick-offs and enablement sessions for new product launches, utilizing both face-to-face and virtual formats.
Education and Expertise
Norbert Funke has a strong educational background in management and technology. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Management from the University of Phoenix, United States, between 1999 and 2001. Additionally, he holds a Master's degree in Technical Information Technology from Fachhochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, Germany, which he completed from 1991 to 1996. His expertise spans various roles in sales strategy, marketing, and technology integration.
Background in Technology Sales and Marketing
Funke has extensive experience in technology sales and marketing, having worked with several prominent companies. His career includes positions at Symantec EMEA, where he served in various roles such as Global Strategic Partner Sales and Senior Product Marketing Manager. He also worked at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in multiple capacities, including EMEA eCommerce Consultant and Strategic Business Development Manager. His tenure at Dell EMC included roles as Senior Product Marketing Manager and Global Vertical Product Marketing Manager for Healthcare.
Professional Experience Prior to Hitachi Vantara
Before joining Hitachi Vantara, Norbert Funke held various positions that contributed to his expertise in sales and marketing. He worked at Accenture as a Client Services Manager and Technology Integration Manager, and at genua mbh as a Pre-sales Consultant for TCP/IP Network Security. His diverse roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the technology landscape and customer engagement strategies.
Sales Methodology and Leadership
In his current role, Norbert Funke utilizes the Challenger sales methodology to create effective sales storylines, playbooks, and micro-learnings. He leads global cross-functional 'tiger teams' to ensure a consistent Go-to-Market and sales approach across all organizational levels. His leadership in orchestrating enablement sessions and sales strategies reflects his commitment to enhancing sales effectiveness and aligning with market demands.