An Interview with Gavin Mee, Adobe VP of Northern EMEA
Often, when companies hire new executives, there can be some ambiguity into who they are. But when the news comes out, it’s an exciting moment to learn more about such leaders and understand what drew them to pursue this new opportunity in the first place.
As part of our executive introduction series, I sat down with our newly appointed Vice President of Northern EMEA, Gavin Mee. Gavin brings to our team an impressive career to date—joining Adobe from Salesforce where he was most recently Senior Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Head of their UK operations. Prior to this, he also held roles at Oracle, BEA and Xerox.
I sat down with Gavin to chat about what three main factors drew him to join Adobe, what he’s most excited to get started on, and what skills he’s looking for when identifying talented candidates.
What drew you to join Adobe?
There were three main factors that drew me in: Product, values, people.
Adobe is second to none in what we do to create amazing experiences for customers. We’re a top tech company with an incredible heritage and products. Our products are market leading and I think we dominate the market with our customers. And the ways in which we showcase our brand are best-in-class.
Next, the values at Adobe really struck me. Not only is there a lot of focus on equality and diversity, but we very much value our customer while dedicating time and energy to sustainability and positive social impact.
Finally, the people. Before I interviewed at Adobe, I did a lot of research. I spoke with customers and partners as well as current and former employees. They all said what a wonderful, culturally rich, collaborative place Adobe was. With all that in mind, how can one not be drawn in?
What were you most surprised to learn about Adobe after your first interview?
Adobe’s strength of products and their focus on the customer experience, particularly when considering customer success. I’ve worked at companies that had a similar view, but Adobe differentiates itself by actually taking action on it. Also, Customers’ usage of the platform, both in terms of multi-product use cases and the sheer volume of data processed is just mind blowing.
How has your experience at Adobe already differed from your past experiences at other companies?
I’m genuinely pleased by how positive, collaborative and helpful people have been. Everyone is really supportive and welcoming.
What challenges are you most excited to get started on?
I can’t wait to get on with it! I want to scale our offerings and see how we can make a difference for our customers. I also want to develop the team to be world-class. I can’t wait to have a great time with everybody and help evolve career journeys.
On your LinkedIn profile you say that you have a “true passion for identifying and developing talented people.” What are the signs and skills of talented candidates that you’re looking to identify for your team?
I like to see people who are highly motivated and passionate about the business. Those are the two factors that you really need—to be passionate and dedicated. I want candidates who are not afraid to innovative and try different things, and people who are always trying to include others.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself, authentic and honest.
What are your passions outside of work?
I really enjoy sports, trying to keep fitness on the road and in the pool. I’ve also just started coaching my son’s rugby team! I’m also learning how to play the piano again and my perfect weekend is spending time with my wife and kids.
Fun Facts
If you could only eat 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Easy! Salad, cheese and curry. Believe it or not, salad is my favorite food in the world.
What are you currently reading?
Normally I read autobiographies, but right now I’m reading Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All by Jonas Jonasson. I’ve also recently read his novel, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. I’ve been loving them! It’s nice going back to fiction.
For more perspectives from our newest executive team members, read our interview with: