Leadership
Michael K. Tanner
Michael helps businesses turn bold ideas into market traction and investor returns. Throughout his career, he has combined operational marketing leadership and advisory work to guide over 100 companies through growth, transformation, and market-defining launches.
Michael began his career in engineering and manufacturing automation software, helping bring to market some of the earliest 3D design, visualization, and manufacturing technologies—from solid modeling and rapid prototyping to CAD-integrated analysis and machining software. That early focus on bringing B2B innovation to market shaped his approach at a young age.
In the mid-1990s, he cofounded The Chasm Group in Silicon Valley, where, for over a decade, he partnered with global tech leaders and growth-stage startups to create go-to-market playbooks for products and services that would define industries. In 2004, he launched Adexta, but stepped away in 2007 to take on leadership roles at several growth companies, including as CEO of Bamboo Solutions, VP Marketing and Products at Carrier iQ, VP Strategy and Corporate Development at M-Files, and SVP Marketing at $1B proptech unicorn Lessen.
Along the way, he served on the boards of several businesses ranging from startups to $ 100M in sales, earning a reputation for helping companies launch new ventures, rebound from challenges, rebrand after acquisitions, expand markets, and accelerate growth.
Today, Michael works with innovative companies as a fractional CMO, advisor, and hands-on go-to-market partner—translating strategy into execution and measurable results. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Rivier College. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Experience
- SVP Marketing, Lessen
- VP Strategy and Corporate Development, M-Files
- VP Marketing and Products, CarrierIQ
- Co-founder and Managing Director, The Chasm Group
- Startup CSO/CMO, Edge Communications
- CEO, Bamboo Solutions Corporation
- Strategic MCAD Market Manager, Autodesk
Education
- BS Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University
- MBA, Rivier College
Board Experience
- Savi Technology, RFID Asset Tracking and Logistics (Acquired by Lockheed Martin)
- Apexion, Surgical Instrument Tracking (Acquired by JD Edwards)
- Bamboo Solutions, SharePoint components and solutions
- DATallegro (Advisory Board), Data Warehousing Appliance, Acquired by Microsoft
What Leaders Say About Michael's Impact
“I had the pleasure of working with and learning from Mike Tanner. He has excellent communication and leadership skills and works unselfishly with others to help achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. He has a broad base of experience in all facets of the business as well as a wonderful work ethic. He always performs with the highest degree of integrity.”
Prior CRO, Edge Communications
“I had the privilege of working with Michael during his time as SVP of Marketing at Lessen, and I can confidently say he is more than an exceptional marketing leader. His expertise spans digital marketing, GTM strategy, messaging, data analysis, advertising, product marketing, and much more. What truly sets him apart, however, is his ability to seamlessly connect marketing disciplines into cohesive, results-driven strategies that align with broader business objectives.
“Michael joined CarrieriQ as interim VP of Marketing and Product and quickly became a trusted part of the leadership team. Michael got up to speed fast while also bringing significant strategic and business development skills developed from his management and consulting experience.”
Prior CEO, Carrier iQ
