Lila Tretikov is a Russian-American engineer, best known for her tenure as the executive director of the Wikimedia Foundation from 2014 to 2016. The Foundation is a non-profit entity devoted to equal access to knowledge, managing services such as Wikipedia. Tretikov's role saw her discussing essential subjects such as the NSA lawsuit and the future of Wikipedia. Since 2018, Tretikov has been serving as the Corporate Vice President & Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Corporation.

With an extensive background in the technology sector dating back to 2001, Tretikov has held significant roles in multiple companies, including serving as CEO for "Engie" and "Wikipedia." In addition to her technology roles, she has also overseen major projects and initiatives related to Wikimedia. Prior to her time at Wikimedia, she served as Chief Product Officer for SugarCRM, an open-source, cloud-based software vendor. Notably, Tretikov received a Stevie Awards bronze in 2012 for "Female Executive of the Year‍ —‌Business Services‍ —‌11 to 2,500 Employees‍ —‌Computer Hardware & Software".

Her career started as an engineer at the Sun-Netscape Alliance, working on the Java server. She later founded and grew information technology startups providing support for customers in telecommunications, retail, and banking sectors. Tretikov's customer base included large corporations such as "Bank of America" and "Verizon." A major accomplishment during this time was her work on the Human Genome Browser at Berkeley, where she fused her passion for large data systems with intelligent user interfaces.

Born in the Soviet Union, Tretikov witnessed the rise of openness and transparency in government through the policy of glasnost. This experience fuelled her commitment to free and open information, amplified by technology. She has an impressive background in international business, technology, brand, and policy. In March 2016, she was invited to join the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders community. Tretikov has also taken on leadership roles on more than 15 public and private boards across six countries. Most recently, she joined the board of directors of Volvo Cars in March 2021.

Tretikov studied Computer Science and Art at the University of California, Berkeley, where she conducted research work in machine learning. She has co-authored several patents, including those in intelligent data mapping and dynamic language applications. Her expertise has led her to lead companies through critical transitions such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and initial public offerings (IPOs).

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