Sophos Names Krause New Americas Channel Chief

Security vendor Sophos has tapped Kendra Krause as channel sales vice president to oversee the company’s Americas partner initiatives.

Krause, who Sophos squired away from rival Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), will be based in Chicago. She reports to Dick Faulkner, Sophos North American Sales vice president.

Krause’s background includes prior stints in channel sales, marketing and operations for IT security vendors, comprising most of her 15 years of industry experience, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to joining Sophos, Krause served as Fortinet’s channel sales director from 2007-2009, when she was promoted to Channel Sales and Operations vice president, her most recent assignment. She previously served as SonicWall’s director of National Accounts for two years, territory sales manager at WatchGuard, and Network Product Marketing manager at reseller CDW.

Krause is said to be well-versed in channel enablement, new business development and partner management.

“Kendra brings a fantastic track record of channel success and we are excited to welcome her to Sophos,” said Faulkner. “With her experience, we will look to her to not only help grow out the channel by recruiting new partners, but also enabling and empowering existing partners for further success.”

Krause said she is tasked with improving Sophos channel programs and partner enablement profile. “At Sophos, we have a huge opportunity in the channel and my appointment is part of Sophos’ initiative to increase and strengthen our programs in the United States,” she said. “Sophos’ channel model ensures that all of our partners have the proper tools and programs to be successful in their business, which in turn equates to Sophos success. This type of collaboration is a win/win for everyone and that is one of the biggest draws to joining the Sophos team.”

Krause is the second significant former Fortinet Channel Sales executive Sophos has hired in the past few months. In February, Sophos hired Michael Valentine away from Fortinet as Worldwide Sales vice president. Valentine’s resume sported similar stops as Krause’s, with positions at SonicWall and WatchGuard in addition to his tenure as Americas sales and support vice president at Fortinet. Valentine, who specializes in channel building, has said that he intends to boost Sophos sales in North America, contending that the company boasts the proper products, has shored up its channel program and, with new management, can significantly up its presence.