AVG Buys Level Platforms: Wensley Exits, Sobel Engages

Amid AVG’s buyout of Level Platforms, announced today, there’s at least one big executive change worth exploring: Level Platforms VP Dan Wensley will exit the company, while Dave Sobel, director of community development, will remain in his position, according to Level Platforms CEO Peter Sandiford. For managed services providers (MSPs), this particular executive transition is worth watching.

Wensley was one of the key people who helped to build the managed services ecosystem. In addition to driving sales at Level Platforms, he helped to spark the launch of MSP Partners — a vendor-led consortium that helped to put the MSP industry on the map. (CompTIA ultimately acquired MSP Partners.)

At first glance, Wensley’s exit from Level Platforms could trigger concern from the company’s MSP customers — many of whom know Wensley personally. But folks like Rob Rae and Dave Sobel could play key roles keeping MSPs loyal.

Former MSP Stays Partner-focused

Sobel has worked in and around the IT channel and MSP community for more than a decade. And in the past year or so, Sobel has emerged as a high-profile member of the Level Platforms team.

Sobel previously built and sold an MSP business in the Washington, D.C., area. He gained recognition speaking at channel and MSP events, and participating in HTG Peer Groups.

As AVG buys Level Platforms, the spotlight on Sobel will grow brighter — especially when the company kicks off its first ever MSP Community Summit next week in Las Vegas.

Side note to Wensley: Thanks for the briefings over the years. When you’re ready to talk about what’s next, we’ll welcome the update.