US-based customer service software solutions provider Zendesk said that Lila Tretikov has joined its Board of Directors. Tretikov currently serves as Partner and Head of AI Strategy at New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and was formerly the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft.
She has been involved in technology and business for over two decades, with experience in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and customer relationship management.
“Lila’s expertise is critical and will ensure we improve the experience of using our AI products for customers. Her career working on some of the world’s most challenging problems makes her a critical advisor as we tackle the rapid growth of AI in customer experience,” said Zendesk CEO Tom Eggemeier.
Lila Tretikov experience spans five international public boards
Tretikov’s career includes founding and scaling companies, operating web and media properties, working in retail banking, and participating in energy partnerships. She also serves as an advisor on innovation to the United Nations and holds independent director positions on the boards of Volvo Cars, Xylem, and Sophia Genetics.
Her board experience spans five international public boards and over ten private boards across six countries.
“I am excited to join at this time of immense opportunity to help every organisation raise the bar on customer experience and to bring their culture to every customer interaction. The firm’s focus on helping its clients leverage the best of AI and stay ahead of its developments is inspiring,” said Tretikov.
The San Francisco-based firm said its product offerings are backed by a dataset containing 18 billion anonymised interactions. The company emphasises a responsible approach to AI, aiming to provide solutions that customers can trust.
Tretikov joins the board alongside Stephen Ensley, David Erlong, Hisham Hasan, Hilarie Koplow-McAdams, Ryan Lanpher, Kelly Grier, and Tarim Wasim.

