We’re so excited to share that Appfire’s SVP of Global Channel and Field Operations Colin Puckett has been named to CRN’s Channel Chief list! This is the third year Colin has been recognized among the top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who are driving strategy and setting the channel agenda for their companies, and who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers.
“This year’s honorees exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership that supports solution provider success and fosters growth across the channel,” says Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “Each of these exceptional leaders has made a lasting channel impact by championing partnerships and designing creative strategies that get results. They’ve set a high bar in the channel, and we’re thrilled to recognize their standout achievements.”
Appfire’s channel program is instrumental to its business model, with a primary focus on sales through partners. Since joining Appfire in 2022, Colin has been driving channel growth and expansion strategy for the company and now leads a global team that works with 700+ channel partners. Under his leadership, Appfire’s Channel team has also been included in CRN’s Partner Program Guide and Appfire was named Atlassian Partner of the Year: Marketplace Partner Channel Growth. Colin’s team is deeply focused on fostering lasting relationships with longtime partners and building trust with new ones, with more than 40 team members dedicated to engaging, enabling, training, and growing Appfire’s partners for joint success.
Over the past year, under Colin’s leadership, Appfire’s Channel team expanded data sources for partners in areas such as product usage and customer intent signals; introduced enhancements to its partner portal; and, in addition to growth programs, sales enablement materials, training, certification programs, and demos that partners can access 24/7 to support customer engagements, added multi-ecosystem enablement and support. Additionally, Colin’s team expanded in 2024, welcoming members in Europe to create more available resources for partners supporting key global markets.
“We’re dedicated to building a durable channel program — one that emphasizes transparent collaboration built on a foundation of trust, and recognizes that a partner-driven business is one of multipliers,” says Colin. “This exceptional team is focused on continually improving a program that both supports and empowers partners to ensure that our shared customers receive the best business outcomes.”
Relationship building remains a core component of Appfire’s channel program and one the company continues to invest in through initiatives like partner retreats and the Red Hot Partner Awards program. As Appfire’s channel program continues to evolve, Colin and his team have big plans for what’s to come.
“Our partners are our most trusted advisors and play a vital role in helping customers solve their biggest challenges,” says Colin. “In 2025, I look forward to seeing even greater investment with our partners in co-sell capabilities, industry specialization, and solution co-development. We’re excited to work even more closely with our partners this year and to continue delivering exceptional value together.”
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