Channel Champions

Paul is an experienced technology marketing leader, advisor and coach with proven capabilities in business strategy, proposition development, growth marketing, and communications, honed in a career in global IT. He was most recently Director of Marketing EMEA for Ingram Micro and was previously CMO at both Westcon-Comstor and Atos Unify. He is a member of the Association of Business Mentors, a voluntary mentor for the UK Help to Grow management training program and for Migrant Leaders, a UK registered charity that assists disadvantaged young migrants across the UK to broaden their horizons and capture opportunities beyond their initial aspirations.

Vincent Disneur is an accomplished leader in the technology and telecoms industry with over 18 years of experience. As the former MD of Union Street, he drove the company to become one of the UK's leading software billing provider with £2bn in annual partner revenue and 1000 partners. Disneur has received over 20 industry accolades, including two Channel Champions Account Management Team of the Year awards.

A skilled writer, industry analyst and broadcaster, Will has worked for a variety of publications in the ICT sector including IT Network, ComputerWeekly, Channel Business, CloudPro and Comms Dealer. He is also a regular presenter at established industry events including IBC, NAB, Comms Vision, Channel-Sec, The Managed Services Summit, and Connected Media. He is currently Editor of IT Europa, the leading provider of strategic business intelligence, news and analysis on the European IT marketplace and the indirect channels.

Andy has over 20 years' experience as a B2B Marketing professional across multiple global technology vendors with excellent demand generation, project management, multi-layer communication and team leadership skills.

Originally from Australia, he arrived in the UK in January 2000. Following eight years with Avaya focusing on Channel Marketing he then moved to Nortel. Nortel was then purchased by Avaya three years later.

In January 2010, Andy set up Bowan Arrow, an independent B2B Marketing Consultancy. Over eight years he worked with a variety of large technology companies including Brocade, ShoreTel, VMware and Symantec and facilitated GDPR training courses for B2B Marketing.

Moving back to the client side, he spent four years in field marketing roles at Mitel, two of which as the Vice President of Global Field Marketing.

Recently Andy joined Okta, the World's Identity Company as the Director of Demand Centre, EMEA.

Beginning her career in Paris, Lauren is a specialist telecoms and IT marketer with over ten years of experience working within the channel. She has been featured on the CRN Women in Channel A-list as a prominent female leader within the industry, and has led marketing teams to awards success, winning over 20 awards for companies throughout her career. Lauren has advised a number of organisations on marketing strategy, including channel wholesalers, cyber security and mobile distribution firms. Lauren holds a BA in French and Classical Civilisation as well as the Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma.

Julie's 25 years of industry experience give her a comprehensive understand the needs of the UK comms channel. She is currently CEO of Support to Win & Train to Win and has held senior sales and service management roles at large carrier and reseller companies. A go-to expert on comms industry skills and operational excellence, Julie remains passionate about responding to the rapidly evolving needs of channel players through innovative managed services and strategic personal development. She regularly consults with UK channel leaders to strengthening culture and skills, and foster sustainable, profitable technical operations.

Rob's 25-year career in ICT spans carrier, channel and direct across a variety of Industry verticals and technologies. Following five and a half years as CEO at Elite Group, Rob is now an active NED and Board advisor to several businesses.

Kate Wood provides culture as a service to multiple organisations, helping them transform their employee engagement strategy to improve business performance. Passionate about D&I Kate heads up Women in Tech North and sits on the Unlimited Potential Board. Kate is an entertaining public speaker and strongly believes all dresses should have pockets.

Judges

Paul Cunningham

Vincent Disneur

Will Garside

Andy Grant

Lauren McManus

Julie Mills

Rob Sims

Kate Wood