CRN Honors 13 WatchGuard Leaders on 2025 Channel Chiefs List
We’re proud to announce that CRN has recognized 13 WatchGuardians on their coveted 2025 Channel Chiefs list, up from 10 in 2024. Each year, this list showcases the top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners. Alongside this honor, WatchGuard’s Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Strategy, Michelle Welch, was recognized as one of CRN’s 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs for 2025 for the sixth consecutive year.
All WatchGuardians recognized have demonstrated their unrelenting commitment to driving WatchGuard’s channel strategy and setting the agenda for its program. WatchGuard extends its thanks to them for their contributions toward making WatchGuard’s global channel program a world-class cybersecurity provider for partners and setting the standard for other cybersecurity providers.
Learn about each WatchGuardian and why they were honored on CRN’s 2025 Channel Chiefs list below:
- Michelle Welch, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Strategy
- HoJin Kim, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer
- Tracy Hillstrom, Vice President of Brand and Content Marketing
- Karen Ray, Global Vice President Field & Partner Marketing
- Chris Wachel, Regional Vice President of Sales, North America
- Rich Workman, Vice President of Global Renewals Sales
- Ruben Luna, Vice President Sales Strategy and Operations
- Kaya Adams, Vice President of Revenue Marketing
- Derek Maggiacomo, Vice President, Americas Sales
- Hillary Taylor-Hartle, Partner Ecosystem Growth Manager
- Cathryne Rowe, Director of Partner Ecosystem & Field Marketing
- Adam Otis, Senior Manager, Channel Programs and Operations
- Joseph Tavano, Channel Marketing Specialist
“This year’s honorees exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership that supports solution provider success and fosters growth across the channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “Each of these exceptional leaders has made a lasting channel impact by championing partnerships and designing creative strategies that get results. They’ve set a high bar in the channel, and we’re thrilled to recognize their standout achievements.”
CRN’s 2025 Channel Chiefs list will be featured in the February 2025 print issue of CRN® Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/ChannelChiefs. For the latest security news and WatchGuard updates, don’t forget to subscribe to WatchGuard’s blog.
