Chris Hines is a proven Microsoft Cloud and AI leader with over two decades of experience architecting, scaling, and transforming technology organizations.

His career includes senior leadership roles overseeing multimillion‑dollar P&Ls, building high‑performing cloud practices, and driving consistent double‑digit growth across Azure, Microsoft 365, and security solutions. From consulting and architecture roles in global financial and legal industries to executive leadership in major Microsoft partner organizations, Chris has repeatedly demonstrated a rare combination of technical depth and business acumen.

Across his roles—most recently as a Chief Innovation Officer—Chris built and scaled Microsoft Cloud businesses from the ground up. He led organizations through mergers, reorganizations, and rapid expansion while securing multiple Microsoft Solution Partner designations. His leadership directly enabled significant ARR growth, new industry vertical expansion, and the launch of AI‑forward initiatives. This track record of creating repeatable, value‑driven cloud practices positions him uniquely as a trusted advisor for organizations modernizing their technology landscape.

Chris is exceptionally well placed to guide customers on AI adoption because he blends hands‑on experience with real‑world implementation of Microsoft Cloud technologies and a strategic understanding of how AI transforms business outcomes. As a leader responsible for defining AI innovation strategy, he helps organizations identify practical use cases, deploy AI responsibly, and integrate automation into existing operations. His perspective spans technology, governance, adoption, and change management—making him a visionary advisor who can help customers realize measurable value from AI investments while reducing risk and accelerating time to impact.

Chris founded Placid Works in 2025 to embody the purpose and values essential for successful adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business. As a startup, Chris is actively involved in client engagement and relishes the opportunity to learn about new and interesting business. Every business has some kind of differentiation and Chris is working every day to help client’s build this into their AI strategy. Chris or an equivalently experienced associate will lead your consulting engagement.  

Read about Chris’ background and experience on LinkedIn