Changing Of The Channel Guard

New Hewlett Packard Enterprise Global Channel Chief Paul Hunter – the channel-savvy former chief of staff for HPE CEO Meg Whitman -- said his strong relationships with Whitman and the company's top sales leaders are going to be critical in helping partners drive sales growth.

"It means I can help the partners get things done and when there are changes in the company or there are initiatives we want to start, I hear them immediately and I have got a seat at the table when we are having discussions about how to go and execute them," said Hunter in an exclusive interview with CRN after being named to the top job in the wake of the departure of Global Channel Chief Denzil Samuels, who served only nine months in the position.

Hunter, a 15-year HPE and HP veteran who has experience as a channel sales director and personal systems business general manager, said his first 120 days on the job will be filled with a whirlwind of partner meetings.

What's more, he said, partners should not expect big changes out of the gate in HPE channel strategy and programs. "One of the real advantages of working with HPE is we have been a predictable partner to work with," he said. "Actually, the first thing I need to do is not change too much stuff. I think there is a tendency when new leaders get appointed the first thing they want to do is go and change a ton of stuff. That will not be my inclination."