Sophos, which provides security solutions to fight cyberattacks, named Chris Bell as SVP, global channel, alliances and corporate development. In this role, he will lead the evolution of Sophos’ global channel strategy, reinforcing Sophos’ channel-first commitment to delivering strong partner experiences.
Bell joined Sophos following its acquisition of Secureworks, where he served as chief strategy officer, and was responsible for long-term vision, strategic partnerships, corporate development and strategy. His leadership – which builds on over two decades in the technology industry, including nearly a decade in cybersecurity and channel – will focus on developing and executing a channel strategy that prioritizes expanding reach, empowering partners and driving growth.
Key priorities for Bell at Sophos will include:
Enhancing Sophos’ partner experience to make it seamless for doing business with Sophos at high velocity, while streamlining operations.
Continued innovation for MSPs and MSSPs, with Sophos’ cybersecurity platform, enabling superior cybersecurity outcomes for customers while enhancing operational efficiency for security analysts and boosting profitability for partners.
Fueling partner growth with service delivery competencies and expanded partner enablement programs – including persona-based training and fast-track training – to expand partners cybersecurity expertise.
Increasing Sophos’ market reach by leveraging the unified portfolio of Sophos and Secureworks to deliver security technology and services that empower partners to enhance cybersecurity and strengthen the security posture of organizations, from commercial to enterprise.
Expanding routes-to-market by bolstering Sophos’ presence across technology alliances, marketplaces and the cyber insurance ecosystem. Sophos will also continue to maintain its focus across resellers, service providers and OEM channels.
“Partners need adaptable strategies that prioritize flexibility to stay ahead of the increasingly complex threat landscape,” said Bell. “Unifying Sophos’ and Secureworks’ portfolios presents a unique opportunity to accelerate a future-ready channel program that arms partners with the technology, services, insights and enablement needed to protect customers and fuel long-term growth.”
A core piece of Sophos’ channel strategy is to better equip partners in addressing the evolving security challenges faced by businesses of all sizes. By aligning more closely with partner needs and prioritizing an open ecosystem, Sophos aims to create a stronger partner network that supports customers from strategy to technology and deployment.
“Evolving our channel business to consistently deliver excellent customer outcomes is at the core of our partner go-to-market approach,” said Torjus Gylstorff, Sophos’ CRO. “We are thrilled to have Chris’ strategic vision and deep channel and cybersecurity expertise to shape Sophos’ channel strategy and build programs to empower partners to scale their security business.”
