TORONTO, September 23, 2013—Leading technology companies were on hand at the 11TH Annual Channel Elite Awards held September 11, 2013 as Computer Dealer News (CDN – a publication of IT World Canada) announced the launch of a new not-for-profit association, the Canadian Channel Chiefs Council. Founding members and serving on the Board of Directors are Channel Chiefs from companies such as Microsoft, Dell, NetApp, Avaya, and Cisco.
The Canadian Channel Chiefs Council (‘the Council’) has a mandate to establish an accreditation program for Channel professionals, further professional development, and raise the profile and recognition of the critical role Channel Chiefs play in value creation for technology companies. In addition to education and certification, the Council will promote the sharing of best practices and provide other benefits such as research and benchmarking studies, mentorship, and peer-to-peer networking.
“The world has changed” said Paolo Del Nibletto, President of the Canadian Channel Chiefs Council. “As technology became widely adopted, businesses everywhere recognized both the need and critical value of the CIO role. Similarly, in today’s world, technology vendors themselves are recognizing the need and value created by strategic and effective Channel Chiefs and the void that currently exists within the talent pool for individuals with the requisite skill set, experience, and knowledge.”
The Channel Chief title is not currently widely-recognized and many companies employ individuals that perform this function with titles such as VP, Business or Partner Sales. The function represents a hybrid sales/marketing role, distinct and separate from direct sales, and is recognized as a critical driver of business revenues and brand.
“We are excited to be part of this Council”, said Renzo DiPasquale, VP Channels, AVAYA. “The role of Channel Chief has been seen as an adjunct to the Sales role whereas in reality the two roles are very separate and distinct disciplines. Channel Sales professionals require specific expertise and skill sets which are instrumental in building and maintaining recurring revenue streams and leveraging various routes to market for organizations”.
The Council anticipates providing training and professional development over the course of the next few months. The long-term plan includes a full accreditation program complete with designation, a research capability, chapter offices, and an active membership program to meet the needs of channel professionals.
About the Canadian Channel Chiefs Council
The Council is the voice of channel professionals to the marketplace. Membership is made up of IT vendors, solution providers and distributors that are on the front lines of solving major IT challenges in business. These professionals are responsible for developing long-term profitable strategies for channel partners along with innovative solutions that provide return on investment for customers. The Council is dedicated to advancing the growth of channel professionals through training, education, channel research, events, public policy and accreditation.
The Council is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. It is affiliated with Computer Dealer News (CDN) and IT World Canada.
About Computer Dealer News/ IT World Canada
Computer Dealer News is a media property of IT World Canada. IT World Canada is a privately-owned company and the Canadian affiliate of International Data Group (IDG), the world’s largest IT information provider. IDG publishes more than 300 publications worldwide. IDG also provides IT market analysis through 49 offices in 85 countries worldwide. One hundred million people read one or more IDG publications each month.