The Channel Mechanics Global Channel Leaders Forum
Key Insights Into Evolving Channel Trends
Channel Mechanics is delighted to invite you to their inaugural Global Channel Leaders Forum, hosted at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos on March 28th, for an afternoon of wine tasting and networking.
Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking afternoon while enjoying the wine at Testarossa in Los Gatos. Our panel of Channel leaders will discuss evolving and disruptive Channel trends in the tech business, including:
- Partner Programs: Trends in program changes to support the world of SaaS and MRR
- Distribution: Pros and cons of moving to a Distribution Model – Key Considerations
- Partner Communications: Best Practices for Partner Engagement and how best to track partner interaction
- The Channel and Big Data – How and why you should be tapping into this goldmine
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): How the Channel is becoming the perfect avenue to support giving back
While listening to the panel discussions, enjoy light refreshments and some of the most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in California.

Global Channel Leaders Speakers
Our panel represents a wide cross section of global tech vendors with deep and successful channel go-to-market models. Their interests and views are sure to resonate with all invited attendees:
- Gordon Mackintosh, VP WW Channels at Extreme Networks
- Laura Quintana, VP Corporate Affairs at Cisco
- Dan Solito, SVP Global Business Operations at Mitel
- Balaji Subramania, VP Global Channel Sales & Alliances at Informatica
On the Day
2:00 – 2:15 Registration
2:15 – 2:40 Wine Tasting and Networking
2:40 – 2:45 Panel Introduction
2:45 – 3:15 Panel Discussion moderated by Kenneth Fox, CEO, Channel Mechanics
3:15 – 3:25 Q&A Session
3:25 Networking and Wine Tasting



Global Channel Leaders Panel
Gordon Mackintosh
Gordon Mackintosh is the VP of WW Channel sales at Extreme Networks. In this role, Mackintosh is responsible for leading the Global Channel Sales team and the development of Extreme’s partner program, which provides the company’s global partner ecosystem with new revenue streams and growth opportunities. Most recently, he worked with his team to develop Extreme’s unified partner program, combining existing and acquired technologies from three acquisitions into one holistic offering. He is also in charge of identifying and implementing new sales and partner initiatives in support of the program’s strategic objectives. Previously Gordon held a variety of leadership roles in sales and the channel at Cisco. He resides in the bay area with his family and is an avid golfer and European Football fan.
Laura Quintana
Laura Quintana joined Cisco in 1999 and is currently VP & General Manager of the Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco’s largest and longest-running Corporate Social Responsibility program. She leads a global organization based in 50 countries, including strategy, product management, product development, global field, and operational services. The Networking Academy trains more than 1.8 million students annually. Previously, Laura held a variety of director-level leadership roles at Cisco. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University. She was recognized by the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) as one of the top 100 most influential and notable Hispanic Professionals in the Information Technology Industry; receiving HITEC Top 100 awards for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. She is fluent in Spanish and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their three children.
Dan Solito
Dan Solito is the current SVP of Global Business Operations for Mitel. A global finance and general management executive, he has extensive experience working for F1000 and start-up companies, including CafeX, Cisco, GE and Avaya. His signature strength lies in building cross-functional and high-performance teams, catalyzing cultural transformation and building next-level/turnaround performance. Dan holds an MBA from Rockhurst University and a BA in Business Administration from San Jose State University. He currently resides in Kansas City with his family.
Balaji Subramanian
Balaji Subramanian is currently the VP, Global Channel Sales & Alliances at Informatica, where he manages the Channel Partner Strategy and Program, as well as managing Strategic Partner Alliances. Prior to Informatica, Balaji was at Adobe where he lead the WW Channel Strategy and Operations, and at Cisco prior to Adobe where he was in Sales Finance, Sales Ops and Strategy & Planning roles. Balaji grew up in Washington State and moved down to the Bay Area after school. He enjoys the Bay Area with his wife and children.
Register now for our Global Channel Leaders Forum