Open to opportunities

Nick Stroud

@nickstroud

Builder of customer growth engines, AI-enabled operating models, and scalable organizations across AI SaaS startups and Fortune 250 enterprises.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

Interested in VP and Head of Customer Success, Customer Growth, Startup Operator, and Business Operations roles, particularly with Seed through Series B AI SaaS and B2B software companies. Also open to larger organizations seeking to accelerate AI adoption, modernize operations, and improve customer and commercial performance.

Over the past 20+ years, I've had the opportunity to build organizations, teams, and capabilities that help companies reach their next stage of growth.

My career has spanned both venture-backed AI SaaS startups and Fortune 250 enterprises, where I've repeatedly been asked to build what didn't yet exist - from new businesses and customer organizations to customer intelligence functions, AI-enabled operating models, and scalable customer growth engines.

Most recently, I joined Thematic as Employee #9 and the company's first VP-level hire, building the global post-sales organization while helping scale the business more than 10x through customer-led growth, AI-enabled operations, and enterprise customer strategy. Previously, I spent a decade at ManpowerGroup (Fortune 250), building a $30M healthcare business, establishing North America's Customer Experience and Customer Intelligence capabilities, and leading innovation recognized with the CEO Innovation Award.

Across every role, I've helped organizations become more scalable, commercially effective, and customer-centric by combining customer strategy, operational leadership, and modern technology.

Today, I'm particularly interested in helping ambitious companies leverage AI, customer intelligence, and scalable operating models to accelerate growth. I'm especially energized by founder-led, high-growth organizations where I can remain hands-on while helping shape strategy, build teams, and create lasting capabilities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

VP, Global Customer Success & Operations

thematic

Mar 2018 - Jun 2026 (8 years 3 months)

Joined as Employee #9 and the first VP-level hire, to build and scale the global post-sales organization. Led Customer Success, Professional Services, Customer Operations, Implementation, Renewals, and Growth while helping scale ARR more than 10x, improving Net Revenue Retention to 100%+, and modernizing operations through AI and enterprise data platforms

Director, Brand Loyalty (CX & Insights)

ManpowerGroup

Dec 2015 - Mar 2018 (2 years 3 months)

Built North America's Customer Experience and Customer Intelligence capabilities, introducing Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) methodology, leading enterprise innovation initiatives, and partnering with executive leadership to improve customer growth, retention, and business performance.

Customer Success Customer Experience Customer Engagement Customer Retention Customer Segmentation Customer Journey Customer Satisfaction Customer Insights Customer Research Customer Discovery Medallia Concierge Thematic Analysis Team Leadership Team Management Team Collaboration Team Building Microsoft Office

Program Manager, Customer Loyalty

ManpowerGroup

Nov 2012 - Nov 2015 (3 years)

Designed and modernized enterprise customer loyalty and feedback programs, partnering with Data Science and business leaders to improve customer insights, strengthen retention, and support commercial decision making.

Manager, Healthcare Solutions

ManpowerGroup

Mar 2011 - Oct 2012 (1 year 7 months)

Built and led a new healthcare business from concept to more than $30M in attributable revenue, owning product strategy, go-to-market execution, commercial performance, and operating margins while partnering across sales, marketing, and field operations.

Customer Engagement Customer Retention Customer Segmentation Customer Satisfaction Customer Insights Customer Research Customer Discovery Thematic Analysis Team Leadership Team Management Team Collaboration Team Building Healthcare Sales Sales Strategy Marketing Strategy P&L management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Xavier University

Bachelor of Arts

Grade: Dean's List

Activities and societies: - Student Manager and Practice Player, Women's Basketball Program (ranked Top 10 in country). - Student retreat leader

Completed a full-time, semester-long internship in collegiate athletics at St. Mary's University, where I rotated into different parts of the athletic department to broaden my athletic-business skills.