WatchGuard Technologies appoints new channel and distribution manager for Australia and New Zealand

Network security and intelligence company WatchGuard appointed a new channel and distribution manager for the company’s Australia and New Zealand operations.

WatchGuard Technologies confirmed that Michelle Liao would fill the role of channel and distribution manager for Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the company’s entire channel business including managing distributors and campaigns for customer acquisition.

Liao will be based in Sydney.

"Michelle has a successful track record building, scaling and leading channel partner programs and we expect her extensive experience to be invaluable as we scale strategic partnerships from both a go-to-market and customer success and retention perspective. She will also be critical in driving relationships that will enhance our customer and market value while helping to grow and strengthen WatchGuard’s position in the channel as the clear leader in enterprise-grade security solutions," Anthony Daniel, regional director – Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at WatchGuard Technologies said.

WatchGuard aims to deliver better cyber security services through a flexible channel program, creating products that deliver security-as-a-service, providing skills and education, as well as offering intelligent protection.

According to a release from the company, 100 per cent of sales through the channel have an Australian or New Zealand community of over 600 MSPs and resellers.

“I’m excited to work with partners to fulfil key market objectives including driving new business, reinforcing a competitive advantage and creating demonstrable business value through our portfolio of best-in-class, market-leading security solutions. We have an exceptional base of partners in the region recognised for their innovation and performance and I’m looking forward to building on our mutual success and market momentum as we approach 2022 and beyond,” Liao said.

Prior to this appointment, Liao worked as senior partner success manager at N-able, and prior to that, was employed at SolarWinds across several channel management positions.

Recently, the company integrated its endpoint protection solutions into the WatchGuard one system.