We are a team of accessible experts dedicated to anticipating and preparing for key shifts in society and technology.
Our mission is to provide expert insights and guidance while staying attuned to emerging trends and challenges. We listen to our customers and partners to help them navigate and succeed in a rapidly-evolving world.
The Latest from the OCTO Team
Artificial Intelligence, Real Consequences: Confronting AI’s Growing Energy Appetite
How to Upskill in the Era of Generative AI
What Will a Day in the Life of an IT Professional Look Like in 2030?
Our Initiatives
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) strives to recognize future inflection points in order to respond to opportunities and mitigate risks. We are a team of accessible experts dedicated to anticipating and preparing for key shifts in society and technology. Our mission is to provide expert insights and guidance while staying attuned to emerging trends and challenges. We listen to our customers and partners to help them navigate and succeed in a rapidly-evolving world.
Meet the Team
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Markus brings more than 25 years experience in senior leadership roles for Software Engineering, Data Science, Data Engineering, Solution Architecture, Innovation Management and Product Management to Extreme. Has managed several successful business model and technology transformations in his career including multiple mergers and acquisitions. -
Brendan Bonner is the Product Director for the Office of the CTO at Extreme Networks, where he drives the strategic direction for AI and ML applications within the communications and IT industry. His primary focus is on convergence of digital transformation and IT systems through innovative ML/AI redesign. Collaborating closely with the CTO and product teams, he ensures that extreme networks always has it's finger on the pulse of the latest technology.
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With over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology (IT) sector, Daniel Schieber has established himself as a versatile and innovative professional. His career is marked by the development of cutting-edge software solutions and expertise in API design, making him a sought-after consultant in the realm of solution selling. Daniel’s proficiency extends to prototype development, where he brings visionary ideas to life, and innovation management, ensuring that his projects stay ahead of the technological curve.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Daniel is a passionate enthusiast of various forms of gaming, from traditional pen and paper and board games to immersive video games. He is an avid fan of science fiction, which often fuels his creative pursuits. Daniel channels his artistic side into creating electronic music, producing unique and engaging sounds. Additionally, he has a keen interest in pinball machines, enjoying both their mechanics and nostalgic charm. His woodworking hobby showcases his craftsmanship and attention to detail, reflecting his dedication to hands-on creativity.
Daniel Schieber’s diverse skill set and wide-ranging interests make him a dynamic figure in both his professional field and personal life, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. -
David D. Coleman is the Director of Wireless Networking at the Office of the CTO for Extreme Networks. David is a technology evangelist, public speaker and proficient author. David travels the world for both customer and channel partner engagements, speaking events and training sessions. He has instructed IT professionals from around the globe in Wi-Fi design, security, administration, and troubleshooting. David has written multiple books, blogs, and white papers about wireless networking, and he is considered an authority on 802.11 technology.
Prior to working at Extreme, he specialized in corporate and government Wi-Fi training and consulting. In the past, he has provided Wi-Fi consulting for numerous private corporations, the US military, and other federal and state government agencies. David is also the 2020 recipient of the Wi-Fi Lifetime Achievement Award. When he is not traveling, David resides in Atlanta, Georgia and Chapala, Mexico. David is CWNE #4 and is the co-author of Sybex Publishing’s “Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) Study Guide – 6th Edition” and “Wi-Fi 6 and 6E for Dummies”Follow David:
Twitter: @mistermultipath
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Justin Hurst is the CTO, APAC for Extreme Networks, where he is responsible for guiding the technical vision for the Extreme platform in the APAC region. His key focus areas are enabling digital transformation, IT modernization, and innovation through design. By working closely with the Office of the CTO and Product teams, he helps customers and partners reach better outcomes, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
He brings over twenty years of experience in a broad range of technology roles, including IT operations, architecture, education, and sales.
Justin is a frequent keynote speaker, and has presented worldwide on transformative technological change and embracing disruption. He is based in Tokyo, Japan. -
For 20+ years, Kashif has been a digital transformation leader. He drives strategic initiatives to harness new tech and strengthen competitiveness.
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With over 15 years of experience in Network Security and Software Engineering, Kurt currently serves as an Innovation Lead within the Office of the CTO. He is dedicated to incubating cutting-edge solutions that drive technological advancements for our customers and partners.
Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of innovation, leading cross-functional teams to develop and implement transformative technologies. His recent projects allowed him to dive deeper into ML & AI, which we envision will transform our industry in a significnat way.
In addition to his technical leadership, he contributes to Extreme's thought leadership through regular blog articles.
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With a Ph.D. in fundamental physics, Carolina boasts 22+ years in tech. She’s a distinguished AI leader who crafts AI policies and builds ML systems.
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Mikael Holmberg is a Distinguished Engineer and Member of the Office of the CTO at Extreme Networks. Mikael is a Solution Architect within the Product organization, where he is responsible for providing guidelines for solutions, technologies, and designs for Extreme products deployments within various verticals. He works closely together with the Office of the CTO team around innovation and new technologies.
In addition to his role within the Product organization, he contributes to Extremes thought leadership through regular blogs, and he also participate in various industry committees and is a frequent speaker at various industry events.
Engage with OCTO
We invite innovators, thinkers, and leaders to join us by contacting the Office of the CTO (OCTO). Whether you’re an AI expert, a cybersecurity leader, or a visionary in networking solutions, there’s a place for you here. Together, we can transform the next generation of ideas into today’s solutions.
By participating with the OCTO, you will have the opportunity to influence the direction of new technologies and collaborate on projects that will shape the future of IT. We seek individuals and organizations ready to innovate and make a lasting impact. Your participation will help pivot the industry from complexity to clarity.
OCTO members are also available for speaking engagements at conferences, seminars, and other events, sharing their insights and experiences to inspire and educate audiences.