The Inspiring Journey of Melissa Di Donato: A Leader in Tech and Advocacy for Women
Melissa Di Donato has become a name synonymous with leadership, innovation, and advocacy in the technology industry. As the Chair and CEO of Kyriba, a global fintech company, she is at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of liquidity performance and financial technology. With over two decades of experience working for some of the most influential companies in the world, Melissa has not only shaped the direction of the tech sector but also been a champion for diversity and inclusion, particularly in promoting women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Her impressive journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global thought leader is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the United States, Melissa Di Donato’s academic background set the stage for her future success in the business and technology sectors. She earned her MBA in International Business from American University, where she also pursued an MBA in Russian Language and Literature. This diverse educational foundation allowed Melissa to cultivate an understanding of both global markets and the nuances of different cultures, which would later influence her leadership approach in multinational companies.
In addition to her academic credentials from American University, Melissa spent time studying at Herzen State Pedagogical University in Russia and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Russian Language and Literature and Political Science from Manhattanville University. These early academic experiences reflect her strong drive for learning and global perspectives, which would become valuable assets in her future career in international business.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Melissa’s career began in the tech sector, where she worked her way up through multiple high-profile companies. She started her professional journey with BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting) as a Director of Solution Delivery, followed by roles at BlueStar Solutions and Oracle. However, it was at PwC and SAP where she began to make her mark as a dynamic business leader.
At PwC, Melissa served as a Senior Consultant and Manager, providing high-level business advisory services to some of the world’s leading corporations. Her expertise in ERP solutions and digital transformation led her to a pivotal role at SAP, where she was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Digital Core and Chief Revenue Officer for Cloud ERP solutions. Her work at SAP solidified her reputation as a leader in the tech space.
She also held leadership positions at Salesforce and IBM, further expanding her knowledge and network in the industry. During her tenure at Salesforce, Melissa led the Wave Analytics Cloud and played a significant role in helping the company expand its presence across EMEA and APAC regions.
Leadership at SUSE and Kyriba
Melissa’s time at SUSE, an open-source software company, marked a turning point in her career. As CEO of SUSE from 2019 to 2023, she led the company through a significant transformation, which culminated in its successful IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 2021. Under her leadership, SUSE became one of the largest European software IPOs at that time.
Following her success at SUSE, Melissa took on the role of Chair and CEO of Kyriba, where she is responsible for driving the company’s strategic direction. Kyriba provides cloud-based liquidity management solutions, empowering CFOs to forecast and optimize liquidity. Under her leadership, Kyriba has become a leader in its field, providing innovative solutions for financial performance optimization.
Advocacy for Women in Tech
One of the most inspiring aspects of Melissa’s career is her commitment to advocating for women in technology. As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, she has consistently pushed for greater representation and inclusion. Melissa is a passionate advocate for getting more women into STEM fields, believing that the lack of diversity in technology is a significant issue that must be addressed.
Through her role at Inner Wings, a charity she co-founded with her husband, Darren Roos, she works to provide young girls with the tools and support needed to build confidence and pursue STEM careers. The foundation aims to close the gender gap in STEM by running workshops for girls aged 6-12, helping them to develop leadership skills and self-confidence.
In addition, Melissa serves on several high-profile boards, including JPMorgan, Porsche AG, and Mews Systems. Her work with these companies focuses not only on business performance but also on bringing diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the tech industry.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout her career, Melissa has received numerous accolades for her leadership and contributions to the technology industry. She has been recognized as one of the most influential women in UK tech, earning a spot on the Top 10 Most Influential Women in Tech list by Computer Weekly. Her advocacy for diversity in technology has also earned her the Women of Achievement Award in the Technology sector from Women in the City.
Her leadership at Salesforce earned her the prestigious Personality of the Year award at the UK Cloud Awards in 2015. In recognition of her ability to drive innovation and inspire others, Melissa has been consistently recognized as a leader capable of breaking barriers in an industry that often underrepresents women.
Personal Life and Family
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Melissa is a devoted wife and mother. She is married to Darren Roos, a fellow technology executive, and together they have founded Inner Wings, a charity dedicated to empowering girls and young women to pursue STEM careers. They live in the London area, where Melissa continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the UK’s growing technology sector.
Melissa Di Donato’s Husband and Family
Melissa’s husband, Darren Roos, shares a deep commitment to the world of technology and innovation. As a fellow business leader, Darren has supported Melissa’s work, especially in the realm of diversity and inclusion. Their shared passion for empowering the next generation of leaders has been a driving force behind the creation of Inner Wings, which aims to close the gender gap in STEM careers.
Age and Early Life
As of 2025, Melissa is in her early 50s, with a career spanning more than 20 years. Despite the challenges she has faced as a woman in tech, she has continuously demonstrated that perseverance and dedication can lead to groundbreaking achievements.
Conclusion
Melissa Di Donato is not only a visionary leader but also an advocate for change within the technology sector. Through her leadership roles at Kyriba, SUSE, and other prominent companies, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing innovation, promoting diversity, and empowering women in the tech industry. Her work with Inner Wings and other initiatives has cemented her place as one of the most influential women in the tech world. With her inspiring story, Melissa proves that with determination, passion, and a focus on inclusivity, anything is possible.
