2022 Honorees

MaryAnn Bekkedahl

SVP, Business Development & Partnerships

“I set clear goals for my team - I'm there to help prioritize, strategize, and clear obstacles.”

Leader2022

Tell us about where you work and what you do there.

I am the SVP of Business Development and Partnerships at BigCommerce. My team and I are responsible for creating and managing partnerships with solution providers that will help BigCommerce merchants grow. Let’s talk partnership!

How would you describe yourself?

I love solving business problems and driving revenue. Being in eCommerce is exhilarating, with growth in the industry and innovation everywhere. When I’m not working, I’m annoying my teenage children by trying to get them to hike, play tennis, or golf or ski with me. My husband, two kids, one dog and I live in Westchester, NY, and I work remotely with BigCommerce’s HQ in Austin, Texas.

What is your leadership style?

I am a direct communicator and set clear goals for my team leads. I am there for them to help prioritize, strategize, and clear obstacles.

What do you think has been your biggest professional success so far?

Switching from a traditional industry (magazine publishing) to a pure technology company. Every single thing is different, from the people to the tools used, the types of collaboration, the challenges, and the wins. I can share some seriously embarrassing “learning moments,” but certainly not in writing!

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What goals do you have for 2022?

I’d like to see roles/responsibilities on my team get even more clear and crisp, and add process (Ugh, ADDING process?) to how we run our partnerships organization so that everyone can focus on the big wins vs. the little stuff each day.

What do you think is the next big trend in eCommerce?

Selling everywhere. Across all channels and formats, as well as cross-border. The barriers are shrinking, and fantastic tools exist to enable merchants to expand their shopper base significantly.

Name an eCommerce brand you admire and why.

Amazon. They are everything to me, and now their credit card saves me money!

What do you geek out over?

A great book, crime-solving TV series, and Scott Galloway on podcast.