Microsoft has announced its intent to bifurcate the firm's channel chief role, a week ahead of the company's annual partner conference, Inspire.
Per the amendment, former channel chief and nearly-25-year Microsoft veteran Rodney Clark will be replaced by two current Microsoft executives.
"The channel chief role, previously held by Rodney Clark, will be split into two distinct leadership roles; one of which will be directly tied to sales with our channel partners and led by David Smith, new VP channel sales; and the other led by Julie Sanford, VP GTM, programs and experiences, with direct accountability for programs and offerings,” a company spokesperson said.
“The decision to evolve what formerly had been a single role into two distinct areas of responsibility is a reflection of the growing importance and breadth of our partner ecosystem all-up."
The split in the ‘channel chief’ role follows months of discontent within Microsoft's partner-channel community. Specifically, Clark’s decision to support changes in the firm’s partner program upset a number of Microsoft's partners.
A good case in point is the New Commerce Experience (NCE). The ‘per seat’ pricing model, yet to be implemented across Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Windows 365, and Power Platform, was not welcomed by a vast majority of the firm’s reseller partners.
RELATED RESOURCE
The mighty struggle to migrate SAP to the cloud may be over
A simplified and unified approach to delivering Enterprise Transformation in the cloud
Responding to the opposition, Microsoft made another NCE concession in June, postponing "indefinitely" the date by which Cloud Solution Providers would be required to sell licenses under the NCE terms, ZDNet reported.
As matters stand, Clark has quit Microsoft to join Johnson Controls as VP & chief commercial officer.
-
The evolving role of the CISO and how it impacts channel partnersIndustry Insights The traditional IT sales cycle is being rewritten as CISOs emerge as the most important stakeholders for channel partners to align solutions with
-
How businesses can use storytelling to drive AI adoption among their workforceMany employees are still resisting AI tools, but narrative-led communication is more likely to get their buy-in than data and spreadsheets
-
Kaseya cuts the ribbon on new MSP Success program in partner growth driveNews The initiative combines digital marketing, peer collaboration, and community engagement tools to help partners tackle customer acquisition challenges
-
SecurityHQ names Aaron Hambleton as VP of product and servicesNews Industry veteran will lead product and service innovation across the provider's cybersecurity portfolio
-
EfficiencyIT taps Schneider Electric channel exec in growth driveNews The modular data center specialist has strengthened its executive bench with the arrival of Giles Pattison as business transformation director
-
SCC appoints former Microsoft leader to head up UK public sector businessNews Alexandra Wilkinson joins the Birmingham-based provider as it looks to expand public sector growth and AI adoption initiatives
-
Panasonic Toughbook marks 30th year with new European partner programNews The revamped initiative introduces a new deal registration system, enhanced training programs, and fresh growth incentives
-
Version 1 to expand AI services with CreateFuture acquisitionNews The deal will create a €500m digital transformation business with more than 4,000 employees
-
Integris makes first international move with Australian MSP acquisitionNews The provider’s first international acquisition will extend its reach across APAC
-
Node4 names new CEO and chair in double leadership swoopNews Neil Muller joins the business as chief executive officer, while Patrick De Smedt has been named non-executive chair
