After working for 20 years in digital marketing, Chris Murray has joined the UW E-Business Consortium as the Marketing Practice Director.

Chris' experience includes helping global brands from across industries learn about and leverage marketing strategies and tools. Most recently, he consulted on cloud marketing software at Salesforce, ExactTarget, Sailthru and Appirio with a wide-ranging client list that included Fidelity, Best Buy, Groupon and Bissell.

With a deep background in software, Chris knows the technology and tools UWEBC members are evaluating, testing and mastering. His diverse client experience mirrors the varying needs of member companies.

"My consulting experience provides the frameworks and methodologies to solve problems," Chris said. " I enjoy getting to know the customer journey, understanding challtenges and helping to advance marketing thinking."

In fact, Chris' enthusiasm for helping companies excel is what drew him to this position.

"I am most looking forward to meeting all of the members and learning what's on their minds," said Chris. "These conversations are the first step in helping them figure out how to tackle their challenges, stay on top of the digital landscape, or even just provide them with little things to help with the day-to-day. With 7,000 vendors, how do you get started? I can't wait to help member companies navigate the extremely complex and ever-expanding martech marketplace."

Chris can provide member companies with a unique blend of perspectives. Although his career has taken him from coast to coast and internationally, Chris hails from Wisconsin and is glad to be home.

"Working on the coasts for the past 10 years has taught me a lot, but I am eager to see our companies shine and be recognized for the digital work they do," Chris said. "Plus, I love the Midwestern work ethic that translates into more collaboration and support, which I think is a competitive advantage."

 As a Badger alumnus, Chris is excited to return to the university as a thought leader.

"It's awesome to be back at my alma mater," Chris said. "I love being around a place of research and study, where you stay on the cutting edge of what's happening. The sense of community within the UW, as well as between our members, is impressive."

You can meet Chris at the next UWEBC marketing event you attend, or he is also available at 608-265-3299 or chris.murray@wisc.edu.