Tracey Pretorius, Director, Global Partner Business Strategy, Microsoft Corporation, leads global efforts to help customers benefit from an unparalleled partner network that delivers world-class cloud and AI solutions. Leveraging her experience in cloud and cybersecurity strategy, incident response, and crisis communication, Tracey and her team deliver winning strategies for partners and rewarding experiences for customers. She meets regularly with customers to share best security brand strategy practices for the protection of critical infrastructure and information technology systems.
A veritable globetrotter, Tracey currently resides in Washington State in the U.S. She is a member of the Executive Women’s Forum for security, privacy and risk management professionals, a company exec sponsor at KPMG’s I-4 Forum for Information Security & Risk professionals – where she regularly speaks on industry hot topics – as well as a founding member and Chairperson of the Leadership Council for Microsoft Women in Security (MWIS). She actively participates in industry event panels, with a particular focus on data breach concerns and smart incident response.
Tracey specializes in clearing roadblocks for partners and customers, helping to secure their brand especially when dealing with cybersecurity issues. Passionate about smart, principled crisis management and effective cyber incident response, Tracey has the experience, expertise, grit, and gravitas to help global partners and customers weather their storm.
Since joining Microsoft in 2004, Tracey has led some of the company’s most high profile perception campaigns and product launches. She also worked to establish Microsoft’s credibility in cloud computing with the introduction of the Windows Azure platform. As the Director of Issues Management, Tracey designed, created and drove the implementation of the bespoke Microsoft global 24/7 crisis response communication management process. Built on Microsoft Dynamics, the process ensures quick assessments of key facts to drive accuracy and efficiency, especially when managing the media. During a time of crisis, this program is designed to protect both customers’ and Microsoft’s reputation.
In her over 20 years of international experience, Tracey has been privileged to lead and implement a number of global programs and has spent considerable time working across Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia. Proudly South African, Tracey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Psychology and Communications from the University of South Africa.
Tracey is all about relationships, relationships, relationships! Ask her opinion on current trends in the InfoSec community, or tell her about your latest “phishing” trip. A word nerd, indoor cycler, art enthusiast, and cyber culture aficionado, Tracey is always interested in expanding her rich and diverse global network.
