It was a year in which the technology and business model changes propelled by the cloud computing revolution made it more critical than ever for gutsy executives to step up with game-changing products, services and sales initiatives.
To put it simply, it was not a year for the faint of heart or for a one-size-fits-all approach to the business of computing. With that in mind, CRN broke the mold for our 2011 Top 100 Executives list with 10, Top 10 lists aimed at shining the spotlight on not only the most influential executives in the industry today, but on the channel advocates, sales and services leaders, the channel strategists and SMB superstars, as well as the innovators, mavericks, next-gen channel leaders and up-and-comers.
This year’s list includes a onetime channel antagonist, the scions of a family business dynasty, a power-company executive taking the channel into the cloud and the poster boy for the cloud computing revolution.
How did we choose the executives? The list was based on nominations from solution providers and ranked executives based on channel influence, effectiveness and visibility, along with business and sales impact. Among the criteria were channel sales volume, channel investment and resources, channel advocacy and visibility, and performance in UBM Channel research projects (including the Annual Report Card and Channel Champions). A panel of UBM Channel editors made the final selections.
Here they are, then: our Top 100 Executives in the information technology industry.
The 10 Most Influential Executives of 2011
These 10 executives rose to the top in 2011, having the greatest impact on solution providers and the way channel business got done. Here’s a look at the 10 Most Influential Executives of 2011.
The Top 10 Channel Advocates Of 2011
When it comes to championing the needs of solution providers, these are the executives that went above and beyond, backing their channel partners and ensuring that solution providers had the tools they needed to be successful.
The Top 10 Channel Sales Leaders Of 2011
Here are the executives who’ve had the greatest sway on channel sales efforts and the biggest impact on indirect sales volume for their specific companies in the last year.
The Top 10 Channel Services Leaders Of 2011
These executives spent much of the year building out strong offerings to ensure their solution provider partners have the wherewithal to deliver unique, profitable services offerings in the field.
The Top 10 Channel Strategists Of 2011
These channel Svengalis are pulling the strings to make sure channel strategy is front in center for their companies, architecting the nimble go-to-market plans that translate into channel success.
The Top 10 SMB Superstars Of 2011
We’re spotlighting the people that have served as advocates for the SMB, making sure solution providers targeting that market segment have the product lines, channel programs and support they need to be successful.
The Top 10 Innovators Of 2011
From cloud computing to IT security to advanced networking, these are the executives that are pushing the envelope to deliver hot new technology into the waiting hands of solution providers.
The Top 10 Mavericks Of 2011
These executives aren’t afraid to go off-book when it comes to finding new and creative ways to find channel success.
The Top 10 Next-Gen Channel Leaders Of 2011
Who are the channel executives that are breaking new ground? These trailblazers are showing solution providers the way to new and profitable business models.
The Top 10 Up & Comers Of 2011
These 10 executives are the ones to watch as they work to make their mark while driving their companies down new paths.
