This series provides insight into what drives Dell channel executives. Missed the other posts in the series? Get to know them now: John Byrne (Dell President of Global Channels);  Michael Collins (Dell Senior Vice President, Channel, EMEA); Ng Tian Beng (Dell Senior Vice President, APJ Channels); Joyce Mullen (Dell Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global OEM and IoT Solutions).

Meet Jim DeFoe – Senior Vice President, Global Distribution

What is your current role/area of responsibility?

As the Senior Vice President of Global Distribution, I lead an incredibly talented team that is responsible for Distribution partnerships, sales and strategy.

How long have you worked with the channel partner community?

I’ve worked with the channel partner community for nearly 10 years. I’ve been with Dell/Dell for nearly 20 years, serving in a number of different roles. Prior to my role in Distribution, I was Vice President of North America Channel Sales. In this role, I was responsible for creating and delivering sales across all partner types including national Solution Providers, regional Partners, System Integrators and Distributors.

I also have experience working on the partner side. Prior to joining Dell, I managed regional offices for Dell partner CompuCom. The experience I gained in this role shaped the way I work with partners today.

What most excites you about Dell opportunity?

In my nearly 20 years at Dell, I can’t remember a time when we’ve had the tremendous opportunity that we have today. We’ve got it all in one place: the best partners, the best team, the best portfolio… and the list goes on. It’s an amazing journey to be a part of.

I’m most excited about the way Dell Technologies solutions are benefiting so many areas of people’s lives for the better. It is fascinating to see how our solutions are being utilized to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. 

What most excites you about the Dell Partner Program?

I’m most excited about the emphasis we’re placing on Distribution. While Distribution Partners have always been key to our success, we’re collaborating on an even stronger level today than ever before. Within the Dell Partner Program, we have rolled out a comprehensive Distribution track that is simple, predictable, and profitable, and largely based on feedback from our Distributors. We’ve strategically chosen key Distribution Partners who we have full confidence in, both globally and at a local level, and we’re backing them up by designing tools, materials and programs specifically for them. Plus, with the expanded Dell portfolio, Distributors have more options and greater opportunity. It really is an exciting time for Dell Distributors.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Dell partners in 2017?

The ability to offer the complete Dell Technologies portfolio to their customers. No other company offers the breadth of our solutions all wrapped around the best partner program in the industry.

Do you have a favorite country, place or city to visit; and why?

Colorado is my favorite state to visit. I spend as much time as I can in the mountains, especially in the summer! Italy is my favorite country to visit because of the people, the beauty of the country and the food.

What do you do for fun outside of Dell?

I love spending time with my wife, two daughters, friends and my dogs. My favorite hobbies are golf and hiking.

Follow Jim DeFoe on Twitter: @jimjdefoe.