Pax8 hires former Datto business development chief Rob Rae

Cloud marketplace provider Pax8 has announced the appointment of former Datto business development guru Rob Rae as its new corporate vice president of community and ecosystems.

Rae joins the business having spent more than nine years at the data backup specialist, where he played a crucial role in building partner growth.

In his new position at Pax8, he will apply his expertise to improving and growing MSP relationships, providing guidance and consultation on new programmes, as well as partnering with Pax8’s channel team on industry events and community operations.

“Rob is a well-respected IT channel veteran and considered by many the most influential person in our partner ecosystem,” said Nick Heddy, chief commerce officer at Pax8. “He has dedicated his career to enabling the IT channel to grow, get efficient, and build thriving businesses.

“We are excited to welcome Rob to the team, where we believe he will bring tremendous value to our partners, people, and the industry.”

Rob Rae's channel pedigree

A well-known face in the channel community, Rae arrives at Pax8 with more than 25 years’ technology and B2B experience.

Most recently, he held the role of senior vice president of business development at data backup specialist Datto, where he played a key role in developing the firm’s go-to-market strategy and building partner growth.

However, speculation over Rae’s Datto future began to circulate back in March 2020 before the company’s $6.2 billion acquisition by Kaseya in June. In October, he called time on his spell at the company.

Beyond that, Rae is a prominent figure and award-winning speaker at MSP industry events and has been recognised on various industry influencer lists over the years.

He's also a member of several industry advisory boards, including the board of directors for professional IT certification body CompTIA since 2019.

Commenting on his new role at Pax8, Rae said: “I have always admired the incredible culture and company that Pax8 has built over the years, and I am thrilled to be part of the team.

“I have spent my career helping partners transform into modern MSPs, and in this new role, I will be able to leverage my experience across the entire technology stack. I look forward to diving in, supporting global teams, and continuing the great momentum for Pax8 and the IT channel industry.”