Go-to-market
10 channel partner program experts
These ten partner program leaders have designed and run channel and partner programs at technology companies, in roles from partner program manager to vice president. A reader can learn how they approach program structure, partner incentives and enablement.
Professionals to explore
01—10Allyce Mardesich
LinkedInExperience: Head of Global Channel Programs & Development · Atlassian
Former Head of Global Channel Programs & Development at Atlassian (2017–2021); the profile cites success in the design and execution of strategic channel programs. Other roles listed include Head of Ecosystem and Channels at Zapier (2023–2026), Senior Director, Partner Programs at Cursor (2026) and a Global Partner Programs role at SpaceXAI since 2026.
Candy Vonk
LinkedInExperience: Director, Worldwide Partner Program, Services · Palo Alto Networks
Director, Worldwide Partner Program, Services at Palo Alto Networks since 2023. Under the Sr. Manager, Partner Services Programs role at Palo Alto Networks (2020–2021), the profile says Vonk managed the partner services PMO and developed partner services program criteria, standardizing program requirements, contract language and program guide content.
Chris Engler
LinkedInExperience: Director, WW Partner Sales Programs · Infoblox
Director, WW Partner Sales Programs at Infoblox since 2024, and Director, Worldwide Partner Sales Programs & Operations at Infoblox, listed from 2022 with no end date. Former Sr. Partner Programs Manager at Infoblox (2021–2022). The profile says Engler leads the Worldwide Partner Program at Infoblox.
Christine Linthacum, MBA
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director Partner Programs and Enablement · Proofpoint
Sr. Director Partner Programs and Enablement at Proofpoint since 2025, where the profile says the role involves leading the transformation and scale of the Proofpoint partner ecosystem and developing product-led go-to-market strategies with key partners. Former Director Partner Program and Operations at Elastic (2022–2025) and Sr. Director, Global Partner Operations and Programs at UiPath (2018–2020).
Craig Osborne
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Global Channel Programs and Strategy · Ivanti
Former Vice President Global Channel Programs and Strategy at Ivanti (2023–2025) and Regional Vice President Channel Sales EMEA at Ivanti (2022–2023). The profile also describes leading the EMEAR channel team to recruit, enable and support Ivanti partners and distributors. Director, Partner Ecosystems at BeyondTrust since 2025.
Jeff Mattan
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director WW Partner Programs · Palo Alto Networks
Sr. Director WW Partner Programs at Palo Alto Networks since 2025. Former VP, Global Partner Programs and Operations at BeyondTrust (2020–2024) and VP Global Partner Ecosystem Programs and Operations there (2024). The profile describes 20+ years designing, deploying and managing partner programs, including modifying existing programs and launching new programs from scratch.
Laurie Viault
LinkedInExperience: Principal Partner Program Design Lead · Workday
Former Principal Partner Program Design Lead at Workday (2024–2026), Director, Partner Co-sell Program Strategy at Microsoft (2022–2024), Partner Program Strategy & Design Lead at Google (2019–2022) and One Commercial Partner - Global Partner Incentives Lead at Microsoft (2016–2019). The profile says Viault builds the programs that make partner ecosystems work. Director Partner Engagement & Experience at Cohesity since 2026.
Meg Brennan
LinkedInExperience: Head of Worldwide Partner Strategy, Programs & Experience · HP
Head of Worldwide Partner Strategy, Programs & Experience at HP since 2024. Under a Global Channels heading, the profile describes leading global channels, including channel strategy, routes to market and channel enablement, and leading an effort to increase partner-initiated pipeline from 12% globally to 34%. Former Vice President, Global Channels at Riverbed Technology (2021–2023).
Philip Larson
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director, OpenAI Partner Network (OPN) · OpenAI
Sr. Director, OpenAI Partner Network (OPN) at OpenAI since 2026, where the profile says Larson leads the strategy, design, launch and global operations of the partner network and is accountable for partner programs, incentives, operations and enablement, including program structure and tiering. Former Head of WW Partner Programs, Enablement, Google Cloud at Google (2018–2019).
Rick Geer
LinkedInExperience: Head of Partner Incentive Programs · Atlassian
Former Head of Partner Incentive Programs at Atlassian (2024–2026). The profile says Geer specializes in building, transforming and scaling partner programs at global technology companies, with a particular focus on incentive design and program structure. Partner Program Manager at Docusign since 2026.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's partner mix to yours, since programs built for resellers and distributors differ from programs built for systems integrators, ISVs or cloud marketplaces. If you are launching a first program rather than fixing an existing one, ask each person which of the two they have actually done.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you decide how many partner tiers to have and what partners must do to move between them?
- 02Which partner incentives changed partner behavior in your programs, and which mostly paid for deals that would have closed anyway?
- 03How do you measure whether partner enablement is working before it shows up in sourced revenue?
Reaching channel partner program experts
How can I contact one of these channel partner program experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 8 companies, including Atlassian, Palo Alto Networks and Infoblox, based on profile data retrieved on October 3, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach channel partner program experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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