Juniper Channel Chief: Umeoka Exits, Familiar Faces Step Up

Juniper (JNPR) Global Channel Chief Emilio Umeoka is exiting the networking and security company, but some very seasoned Juniper executives will be driving the company’s partner engagements forward. Among the names to know: David Helfer, VP of worldwide channels and commercial and Doug Erickson, VP of worldwide partner programs and development. The VAR Guy’s spin: Keep an eye on growing channel synergies between Juniper’s VAR, MSP and CSP engagements.

Juniper is now organizing its channel and commercial initiatives — including service providers — under Helfer, a 13-year company veteran. Meanwhile, Erickson joined Juniper through the NetScreen Technologies acquisition in 2004. He has worked in and around Juniper’s channel partner organization ever since. Erickson succeeds Steve Pataky, who joined FireEye in August 2013. Moving into a key channel position “feels like coming home,” Erickson told The VAR Guy this morning.

While Umeoka’s exit will certainly stir partner chatter, don’t overlook this reality: Helfer and Erickson have a combined 25-years of experience at Juniper. Erickson reports to Helfer, and Helfer reports to Dan Miller, senior VP of industries, solutions and partners.

Juniper has announced the partner program changes internally. Helfer and Erickson will be attending Juniper partner advisory meetings in the days and weeks ahead, gathering feedback while communicating the commitment to build links between commercial and channel initiatives. The VAR Guy believes Chris Jones, VP, Americas Partners/Channels, continues to execute on his Americas mission.

Juniper, no doubt, has undergone multiple channel leadership changes in recent months. In addition to the departures of Umeoka (shortly) and Pataky (August), channel veteran Frank Vitagliano joined Dell around April 2013 (succeeded by Jones). Juniper also is seeking a CEO to succeed Kevin Johnson, who plans to retire once a successor is named.