Google Cloud Partner Program Chief Departs; Microsoft’s Former Channel Sales Head Steps In
“We’re excited to announce David Smith as our new channel chief and head of partner programs, reporting to Kevin Ichhpurani. In his new role, David will lead the agentic transformation of our channel,” a Google Cloud spokesperson tells CRN.
Google Cloud’s global partner program leader Colleen Kapase has suddenly left the $71 billion cloud giant and is being replaced by Microsoft’s former worldwide channel sales head David Smith.
“We’re excited to announce David Smith as our new channel chief and head of partner programs, reporting to Kevin Ichhpurani,” a Google Cloud spokesperson told CRN via email today.
“In his new role, David will lead the agentic transformation of our channel. Colleen Kapase has decided to pursue opportunities outside of Google Cloud,” the Google spokesperson said.
Kapase joined Google Cloud in early 2024 and spearheaded the creation of Google Cloud’s new partner program being rolled out this year.
Google Cloud has replaced Kapase with one of Microsoft’s most seasoned channel veterans in Smith (pictured above).
Who Is Google Cloud’s New Partner Program Head David Smith?
Smith spent 27 years as Microsoft from 1998 until joining Google in November 2025.
His last executive role at Microsoft was vice president of worldwide channel sales.
Smith has also held top Microsoft positions over his tenure including vice president of US partners; vice president of worldwide SMB sales; and general manager of Microsoft’s worldwide SMB sales.
“David recently joined Google Cloud following 20-plus years at Microsoft where he held various senior leadership roles across partnerships, enterprise, corporate, and SMB customer segments,” Google told CRN.
Smith could not be reached for comment by press time.
Smith Is ‘Eager To Work Hand-In-Hand’ With Google Partners
In a LinkedIn post unveiling his new Google job in late 2025, Smith said he was “incredibly energized to join a company whose mission—to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful—is more vital than ever.”
“Google Partners are the ultimate force multiplier in this endeavor,” Smith said. “I am eager to work hand-in-hand with this dynamic ecosystem to scale our impact and deliver unprecedented value to every customer.”
He said the opportunity “ahead is massive” for Google partners.
“By leveraging Google's innovation, we have a unique chance to help our customers truly unlock their full potential and solve their most complex challenges globally,” he said.
Colleen Kapase Departs ‘To Pursue Opportunities Outside Of Google Cloud’
Google said Kapase—now Google Cloud’s former vice president of channels and partner programs—has decided to leave to pursue opportunities outside of Google Cloud
“We thank her for her significant contributions to partners and customers and wish her tremendous success,” Google said.
Kapase (pictured below) joined Google Cloud in early 2024 following a 5-year stint at Snowflake, leading Snowflake’s worldwide partner and alliances business.
Prior to Snowflake, she spent 13 years at VMware in various top channel partner program roles, including vice president of partner go-to-market, incentives and programs.
Kapase has been a critical player in the transformation of Google Cloud partner programs over the past two years and has been a frequent speaker at Google’s largest partner events.
Kapase could not be reached for comment.
New Google Cloud Partner Program In 2026
Google Cloud has launched a new partner program in 2026, which Kapase played a major role in building.
The new Google Cloud Partner Network is shifting how the cloud company financially rewards and works with channel partners, including new tiering and competency framework.
“This marks a strategic shift from measuring program work to valuing genuine customer outcomes,” Kapase told CRN in late 2025. “This includes rewarding successful co-sell sales efforts, high-quality service delivery, and shared innovation with ISVs.”
The new Google Cloud Partner Network will have a three-tier model: Select, Premier, and a new Diamond tier. The company will also roll out a new competency framework that will replace Google’s current specializations.
Google Cloud generated a record $17.7 billion in revenue during the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 48 percent increase year over year.