Brian Kinion

VP & Controller

Born:
Mountain View, CA

Prior Experience:
CoTherix, Inc. - VP Finance and Controller
ClearSwift, Inc. - US Financial Controller
DigitalThink, Inc. - Corporate Controller
Netcentives, Inc. - VP Finance and Controller
MDL Information Systems, Inc. - Controller
KPMG Peat Marwick – Auditor


Education:
Saint Mary's College of California, MBA
Saint Mary's College of California, BA in Accounting
Certified Public Accountant (CA)

What I like to do outside of work:
Running, biking, spending time with my wife, two kids and our three dogs. Rooting for the SF Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and SJ Sharks.

Q: Where in your background did you learn the most?
A: Netcentives was a true start-up. I joined the company early on and helped build a finance organization to support the enormous growth it went through. Netcentives did an IPO during the boom and ultimately ended in bankruptcy when the bubble burst, but what an experience. I left the software industry briefly and worked for a biotechnology company that did an IPO and two follow-on offerings, launched a drug, and got acquired. I've learned a great deal from those that I've worked for, worked with and who have worked for me along the way. I learned my work ethic from my mom and how to have fun any my sense of humor from my dad.

Q: If you could meet one person in history, who would you meet and why?
A: Leanardo da Vinci—way ahead of his time.

Q: What's been your biggest surprise during your time at SuccessFactors?
A: How much everyone in the company is truly driven, works collaboratively and believes in the company and the products. The energy level and the dedication to customers here is crazy.

Q: If you had 20 seconds to tell a new client about why they should use SuccessFactors, what would you say?
A: The software is amazing. It can be accessed on-demand and allows organizations managers and employees the best tools to make your organization successful. All of the company's employees are motivated and listening to our customers to provide even better tools over time.

Q: Why do you believe in the promise of Performance & Talent Management?
A: What a huge market? Look at what Salesforce.com has done in CRM. We are giving organizations tools to help them get the most out of their people and be successful. We've only just scratched the surface on what we can do.

Q: Do you have a story or memory of how P&TM has helped you in your career?
A: In my public accounting days, you were constantly reviewed each job on how well you did and where you needed improvement and this would roll into regular reviews. It was my first job out of school and gave me a great foundation to be a manager and set expectations/goals/objectives and provide feedback to employees and help me with my career plan.

Q: Why are you proud to work at SuccessFactors?
A: All SuccessFactors employees are working towards a common goal. It's going to be a fun ride.