OREANDA-NEWS. Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a leading global technology distributor, today announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, named seven of Avnet’s U.S.-based executives to its prestigious 2016 Women of the Channel list. The women executives who comprise this annual list span the IT channel, representing vendors, distributors, solution providers and other organizations that figure prominently in the channel ecosystem. Each is recognized for her outstanding leadership, vision and unique role in driving channel growth and innovation. CRN editors select the Women of the Channel honorees on the basis of their professional accomplishments, demonstrated expertise and ongoing dedication to the IT channel.

CRN also selected Christy Anderson, vice president of strategic sales for Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, as a Power 100 Woman of the Channel. An elite subset of the Women of the Channel list, the Power 100 designation is awarded to an exclusive group of channel influencers drawn from the larger pool of CRN’s 2016 Women of the Channel: the most powerful women leaders across IT channel organizations whose expertise and vision have positioned their companies for success. Anderson was honored for driving priorities to enhance the effectiveness of Avnet’s sales team that interfaces with its channel partners, including fostering a more partner-focused structure, implementing strategies that address constructive partner feedback around responsiveness and quote turn times, and championing the utilization of toolsets that add value for partners and suppliers.

Additional Avnet executives recognized as CRN Women of the Channel include:

  • Trisha Cooke, vice president, supplier technology solutions, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas – Cooke worked with various supplier groups within Avnet to bring a multitude of technical specialists together into a single organization. This team of highly skilled, pre-sales technical specialists, holding 500+ certifications, assists in identifying, scoping and closing opportunities in support of sales growth for Avnet’s channel partners. They make it easier for partners to access resources that aid in the sale of complete solutions, allowing Avnet partners’ sales teams to accelerate their sales cycles.
  • Julie Jones, vice president, supplier marketing, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas – Jones was selected for playing a critical role in establishing one centralized, collaborative marketing organization for Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas that includes supplier marketing, demand generation, Avnet solutions, events and communications. She successfully built a consolidated supplier marketing organization, enabling accelerated growth in solutions across more than 20 suppliers.
  • Sue Kotnik, vice president, business management, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas – Kotnik enhances the partner experience for Avnet’s global services business. She and her team implemented key business processes, dashboards and common toolsets to make it easier and faster to respond to partner needs.
  • Dee Dee Lear, senior vice president, emerging channels, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas – Lear increased Avnet’s strategic synergies and built multi-directional partnerships with new routes to market. In Latin America and the Caribbean, she drove the strategic direction and general management of the region, as well as designed and led strategic and business transformation to take advantage of rapid market movement around next-generation technologies, while also driving growth initiatives through portfolio and geographic expansion.
  • Cheryl Neal, vice president, data, networking and security, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas – Neal worked closely with Avnet suppliers to co-develop and launch multiple channel programs that support Avnet partners’ growth and expansion into new markets. One of the most successful programs she launched enables targeted partners to build enhanced networking practices and increase their sales opportunities. The offering includes a continuous focus and commitment by the partner to increase competency and knowledge of the products and technology.
  • Jennifer Ruth, vice president, customer operations, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas – Ruth was recognized for improving operational engagement between Avnet, its partners and its suppliers via a partnership-and-collaboration approach. Her team also led Customer Operations Councils to identify and drive large-scale process enhancements across Avnet’s ecosystem.

“Christy, Trisha, Julie, Sue, Dee Dee, Cheryl and Jennifer exemplify our dedication and commitment to working closely with our partners and suppliers to profitably grow their businesses,” said Jeff Bawol, president, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas. “Each of these professionals helped our channel community capitalize on high-growth opportunities and navigate the rapidly evolving technology market. Their well-deserved recognition by CRN highlights not only their individual accomplishments, but the positive impact they’ve had in positioning Avnet, our partners and our suppliers for long-term success.”

“These executives have made a lasting mark on our industry – growing and elevating partner programs, leading transitions to new business models and introducing cutting-edge go-to-market strategies, among other remarkable achievements,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “We congratulate all the 2016 Women of the Channel and celebrate their singular contributions to the advancement of the channel ecosystem.”

About the Channel Company
The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. 

About Avnet, Inc.
From components to cloud and design to disposal, Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) accelerates the success of customers who build, sell and use technology globally by providing them with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products, services and solutions. Avnet is a Fortune 500 company with revenues of $27.9 billion for the fiscal year 2015.