Former Trend Micro Channel Chief Joins Dell

Reynolds has been working with the Round Rock, Texas-based computer manufacturer for about two weeks, a spokesperson for Dell confirmed.

Reynolds brings 17 years of channel experience to Dell, having most notably served as the vice president of channel and SMB sales for the Americas at Trend Micro. After a five-year tenure with the security giant, Reynolds left Trend Micro for Palo Alto Networks, saying she wanted to work on a more global scope.

In her role at Dell, Reynolds will lead its global channel business strategy for PartnerDirect while focusing on the company's large enterprise channel business, fulfilling her expressed wish to take the next step in her career.

At press time it was unclear what her title would be, but Dell confirmed that Reynolds would report to Greg Davis, vice president and general manager, Dell global commercial channels, and would function in a global enterprise role.

"We are delighted to have Nancy Reynolds join our team. Her experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our team, and will help expand our channel business in the enterprise market," Davis said in a statement. "As with her other roles, Reynolds' leadership will help build a solid partner ecosystem that will expand Dell's channel presence and meet our partners' and their customers' needs."

According to the company, Reynolds will be responsible for "expanding Dell's presence in the enterprise marketplace and tasked with reaching new partners on a global basis."

Dell's investment in another recognized channel executive is encouraging to Dan Evans, CEO of Nexus Information Systems, a Minnetonka, Minn.-based solution provider, as it signifies the manufacturer's continued push into the channel.

"Obviously Dell has a history of not being very channel-friendly and has tried to commit to the channel before," Evans said. "But this time around [Dell] has several people dedicated to the channel already and continues to bring in more. This helps prove that its commitment isn't just a fleeting thought or flavor of the month. It's beginning to look like Dell is sticking with the channel for the long haul."

Reynolds ultimately left Trend Micro for Palo Alto Networks, telling Channelweb.com at the time that she wanted to work on a more global scope. Her position at Palo Alto Networks was eliminated in January, three months after she joined the company.

"It's time for the next step in my career," Reynolds told Channelweb.com. "I want to make a difference no matter where I go."

Reynolds was named one of ChannelWeb.com's Top 50 Industry Executives for three straight years, from 2006-2008. In 2008, she was named one of ChannelWeb.com's Most Powerful Women Of The Channel.