Clemens Schotte
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Clemens Schotte

Resume Clemens Schotte

Clemens Schotte

Senior Product Leader | Program Manager | Technology Architect

The Hague, Netherlands | clemens@navatron.com | Blog | LinkedIn | GitHub

Profile

Senior Program Manager, Product Leader, and Technology Architect with 25+ years of experience building and scaling cloud platforms, enterprise software, digital products, and transformation programs. I operate at the intersection of product strategy, engineering, architecture, and business execution helping organizations turn complex technical and organizational challenges into scalable products, platforms, and measurable business outcomes.

My background spans software engineering, cloud architecture, product management, and executive-level program leadership across Microsoft, Dropbox, enterprise customers, government organizations, and technology-driven businesses. Most recently, I led product and program initiatives for Azure Maps, Microsoft’s global geospatial platform, helping drive product strategy, platform evolution, customer adoption, and cross-organizational execution.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with engineering teams, architects, executives, customers, and partners to define roadmaps, align stakeholders, manage large-scale initiatives, and deliver solutions that balance customer value, technical excellence, and long-term sustainability.

I bring a combination of strategic thinking and technical depth, with expertise in cloud-native platforms, SaaS products, AI-enabled solutions, APIs, developer platforms, digital transformation, and enterprise software delivery.

Specialties

  • Product Management & Product Strategy
  • Program & Portfolio Leadership
  • Cloud Architecture & Modernization
  • Enterprise SaaS Platforms
  • AI & Business Process Automation
  • Azure, .NET, APIs & Developer Platforms
  • Digital Transformation & Change Leadership
  • Executive Stakeholder Management
  • Cross-Functional Leadership & Delivery.

Experience / Work

NavaTron - Senior Program / Product Manager

July 2025 – current (Netherlands)

Lead product strategy, program execution, and technology transformation initiatives for enterprise and public-sector organizations, helping connect business objectives, operating models, and technology platforms into scalable digital solutions.

Drive product vision, roadmaps, prioritization, and delivery for SaaS platforms, AI-enabled automation solutions, cloud-native applications, and business process modernization initiatives. Work closely with business stakeholders, engineering teams, architects, and executive leadership to translate complex requirements into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.

Current focus areas include AI-enabled business automation, enterprise SaaS platforms, cloud-native architectures, route optimization solutions, business process digitization, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central extensibility and productivity solutions.

Key responsibilities:

  • Define product strategy, roadmaps, priorities, and delivery plans for software and platform initiatives.
  • Lead cross-functional programs involving engineering, business, and executive stakeholders.
  • Guide organizations through cloud modernization, automation, and digital transformation efforts.
  • Align technology investments with business objectives, operational efficiency, and long-term scalability.
  • Drive adoption of AI, data, and automation capabilities to improve productivity and business outcomes.
  • Provide senior-level advisory across Azure, .NET, enterprise integration, security, data platforms, and business applications.

Microsoft - Senior Program Manager - Azure Maps

September 2021 – January 2026 (Redmond, Washington, United States - Remote from the Netherlands)

Led product strategy, roadmap execution, and cross-organizational program leadership for Azure Maps, Microsoft’s global geospatial platform within Azure.

Owned product and platform priorities across mapping, routing, geocoding, spatial analytics, developer experience, and enterprise integration capabilities. Translated customer requirements, market opportunities, competitive insights, and technical constraints into roadmap decisions that balanced customer value, engineering investment, platform sustainability, and business impact.

Played a key role in Microsoft’s strategic transition from Bing Maps for Enterprise to Azure Maps, helping define migration strategy, platform consolidation priorities, customer adoption plans, and the long-term direction of Microsoft’s geospatial platform.

Worked closely with engineering leadership across the United States and Taiwan, driving alignment across distributed teams while coordinating dependencies between engineering, architecture, product management, support, marketing, sales, and executive stakeholders.

Partnered directly with enterprise customers, ISVs, system integrators, government organizations, and strategic Microsoft accounts to understand complex geospatial requirements and translate them into product investments and platform improvements.

Influenced integration opportunities across the broader Microsoft ecosystem, including Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Dynamics 365, Azure services, developer platforms, and emerging AI-driven business scenarios.

Helped improve engineering focus and execution by clarifying ownership boundaries, reducing portfolio complexity, prioritizing high-value investments, and strengthening long-term platform maintainability.

Acted as a bridge between business and engineering, combining product leadership, technical depth, and customer engagement to drive platform growth, customer adoption, developer satisfaction, and strategic alignment across Microsoft.

Microsoft - Cloud Consultant / Architect

February 2019 - September 2021 (Netherlands)

As a Cloud Consultant / Architect at Microsoft, I guided large enterprise organizations through cloud migration, DevOps adoption, and application modernization on Azure, combining strategic advisory with technical architecture and program guidance.

I worked with engineering and leadership teams to improve ways of working, delivery reliability, and long-term maintainability. My role often required aligning business stakeholders, architects, and development teams around practical modernization paths that could be executed safely in complex environments.

At ABN AMRO, I led the “Modernizing Workloads” initiative and delivered the bank’s first Azure PaaS workload into production using .NET and C#, demonstrating a repeatable modernization path. I also implemented the bank’s first global rollout of the DevOps Dojo, improving engineering capabilities across teams and accelerating a broader DevOps transformation.

At Nokia Networks, I acted as the right hand to the program manager in the Architecture and Advisory Support Service, advising on Azure Application Gateway, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Compliance as Code, cloud-native development, and zero-touch deployment. Across engagements, I coached teams on ways of working that improve reliability and maintainability over time.  

Dropbox - Solutions Architect

February 2017 - December 2017 (Netherlands)

As a Solutions Architect for strategic accounts at Dropbox, I was responsible for technical presales for Dropbox for Enterprise across the Benelux. I translated complex customer requirements into practical solution designs, partnered closely with sales, and ensured proposals matched both technical needs and business outcomes.

Leveraging deep familiarity with enterprise IT environments, I positioned collaboration capabilities (including Dropbox Paper) within broader digital transformation initiatives. This work strengthened customer relationships, accelerated adoption, and contributed to revenue growth in the enterprise segment.

Microsoft - Senior Technical Evangelist

April 2013 - February 2017 (Netherlands)

As a Senior Technical Evangelist at Microsoft, I drove adoption of emerging platforms including .NET/C#, Windows 8 Apps, Windows Phone, Silverlight, and Edge, while leading developer relations initiatives that strengthened relationships with the developer community.

I organized and delivered hands-on labs, technical workshops, and large-scale events with over 2,500 attendees, helping developers build optimized, real-world solutions and accelerating platform adoption. I collaborated with software partners (ISVs), startups, and independent developers to share best practices and develop practical use cases.

Acting as a bridge between field and engineering, I brought structured feedback from customers and developers back to product teams to improve product usability, adoption, and real-world outcomes. This role further strengthened my communication, stakeholder management, and community leadership capabilities.

Microsoft – Senior Premier Field Engineer

July 2011 – April 2013 (Netherlands)

As a Senior Premier Field Engineer at Microsoft, I provided deep technical guidance (.NET/C#) and strategic support to leading ISVs in the Netherlands, including Exact, SDL Tridion, and AFAS.

My focus was on strengthening long-term customer relationships through proactive support, knowledge sharing, and helping partners optimize Microsoft technologies within complex software environments. I advised on best practices, helped resolve technical challenges, and supported migration and optimization efforts, combining hands-on engineering depth with practical stakeholder communication. I also led Sev1/Sev2 incident triage, contributing to operational stability and stronger production support practices.

Microsoft – Application Platform Consultant

April 2007 – July 2011 (Netherlands)

As an Application Platform Consultant at Microsoft, I delivered enterprise projects focused on application development using the .NET stack (C#, EF, T-SQL, CI/CD), DevOps adoption (TFS, SLAs, quality gates, and test environments), and platform modernization.

I worked in environments where reliability, process discipline, and stakeholder alignment were critical, helping customers streamline development processes, modernize platforms, and accelerate delivery with stronger engineering practices, automation, and CI/CD.

Over the years, I led cloud and modernization initiatives for clients including the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), Rabobank, Ziggo, Philips, Reaal, Capgemini, Exact, Centric, Getronics/PinkRoccade, Inholland University, RTL, and Talpa.

LogicaCMG – Software Development Consultant

2005 – 2006 (Netherlands)

As a Microsoft Consultant, I worked on a variety of projects within the public sector, developing software solutions for both Windows and web-based environments. My role combined software architecture, hands-on development, and mentoring junior developers.

I was an active member of the Microsoft Special Interest Group and the Microsoft Innovation Platform, where I shared knowledge and contributed to the adoption of innovative Microsoft technologies within client projects. In addition to delivering high-quality technical solutions, I played a key role in team development and accelerating technology adoption within government organizations through a blend of technical leadership, architectural guidance, and mentorship.

Flink – Lead Developer

2003 – 2005 (Netherlands)

As Lead Developer, I was responsible for the design, development, and technical coordination of innovative web applications for a range of clients. One of my key contributions was the creation of a custom content management system (CMS) that remains in active use today, a testament to the robustness and longevity of the solution.

I worked on high-profile projects for clients such as Staatsloterij, BMW, and De Zilveren Camera, where I not only led technical execution but also collaborated closely with stakeholders to enhance their digital strategy and user experience.

My role required a blend of hands-on development, architectural decision-making, and project coordination, all aimed at delivering scalable, maintainable, and client-centric solutions.

Amgate – Software Engineer

2002 – 2003 (Netherlands)

As a Software Engineer, I contributed to the development of large-scale, high-impact internet projects. My role focused on designing and building web applications with an emphasis on reliability, scalability, and user-friendliness. One of the key clients I supported was Oral-B, where I helped deliver technical implementations for digital campaigns and online platforms targeting an international audience.

By collaborating closely with design and project teams, I delivered stable, high-performance solutions that met stringent quality and usability standards.

Additional Activities

Member of Microsoft Netherlands Workers’ Council

2011 – 2014

As a member of the Workers’ Council at Microsoft Netherlands, I actively contributed to representing employees on matters related to labor conditions, employee well-being, and organizational policies. Established in 2008, the council empowers employees to influence their working environment. My efforts focused on promoting transparency, fostering dialogue, and strengthening collaboration between staff and management. Board Member - Computer Club Zeeland

Board member of Computer Club Zeeland

1991 - 1999

As a board member of Computer Club Zeeland, I was responsible for the strategic direction and organizational activities of the association. I played an active role in promoting knowledge sharing and building a strong community for technology and computer enthusiasts. Under my joint leadership, the club evolved into a regional platform for digital education and collaboration.

Education / School

The Hague University of Applied Sciences

1998 – 2002 (Bachelor of Science (BSc), Information Sciences and Technology)

Graduated with a solid foundation in software development, information systems, and technological innovation. This program laid the groundwork for my later work in architecture, program management, and digital transformation.

ROC Zeeland

1994 – 1998 (Vocational Degree (MBO), Information Sciences and Technology)

Practice-oriented program in computer science, with a focus on software development, system administration, and technical IT skills. This education formed the basis for my further specialization in technology and software architecture.