Member Article

WatchGuard VP honoured in Top 50 list

WatchGuard® Technologies, a leader in integrated security platforms, today announced that Alex Thurber has again been recognised on CRN’s 2015 Channel Chiefs list as one of the year’s 50 Most Influential. The prestigious list showcases those executives directly responsible for driving channel sales and growth within their organisation, while evangelising the importance of the channel throughout the entire IT industry.

Those on the list have demonstrated an enduring support for the channel by consistently defending, promoting and executing effective channel partner programs and strategies. The 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs list recognises an elite subset of those channel executives based on their rank, channel savvy, ability to drive channel strategy within their own organisation, and external impact on the channel at large. Selections were made by the CRN editorial team based on channel experience, program innovations, channel-driven revenue, and public support for IT channel sales.

Thurber joined WatchGuard Technologies in 2013 and quickly launched several initiatives to intensify the company’s channel focus and reward partners. Since that time, he has rolled out a key enhanced deal-registration program and architected a new partner program called WatchGuardONE, which is currently being rolled out worldwide. His work with the channel has played an integral role driving record growth in the company in 2014.

“Each year, our editors carefully vet an extensive group of highly accomplished channel executives to highlight those exemplary individuals who earn the mantle of CRN Channel Chief. These executives strive to advance the success and standing of the channel community within their organisations,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “The 2015 CRN Channel Chiefs lead by example and serve as valuable advocates to help ensure the health and longevity of the IT channel. We applaud their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success.”

“It’s an honor to be recognised as one of the 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs, especially given we are a 100 percent channel driven company and our business success is tied directly to the success of our partners,” said Thurber, for whom this is the fourth time in his career he’s received the award. “2014 was a year of innovation at WatchGuard. Not only did we build powerful new channel programs, we also backed that up with powerful new technology like our advanced persistent threat security solution, APT Blocker. As we roll out the new WatchGuardONE channel program in 2015, we’re committed to giving partners the tools they need to drive revenue and meet customer expectations.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by WatchGuard Technologies .