In response to popular demand, industry members are now being invited to submit nominations.

Buffy Naylor, Senior Managing Editor

June 11, 2021

2 Min Read
CF Top Gun 51 with new logo

Top Gun 51 nominations for the 2021 list are now open. And, in response to popular demand, the process is now open to submissions from industry members.

Top Gun 51 nominations will be accepted through July 12.  As with all Channel Futures awards and lists, there is no fee to enter.

Top Gun 51 recognizes an elite group of top channel executives chosen for their leadership, vision and innovation. These leaders build and execute programs in a way that drives partner, customer and supplier success.

In addition, there are three special awards: Channel Innovator (thought leadership, innovation), Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star.

Initially, the nomination process was a closed system. Only those distributors, master agents and industry analysts invited to participate could submit names. But that’s all changed.

This year, in response to popular demand, nominations can be submitted by all industry members.

Three Areas of Excellence

In order to make the list, a nominee must excel in three areas. They must be someone who:

  1. Advocates for the channel model with internal leadership. Proof points: Few or no house or named accounts. Product or service has “channel friendly” features and meets advertised claims for end-user functionality. Few operational roadblocks to success within partner program.

  2. Commits to partners’ business success. Proof points: Has increased the percentage of revenue coming through partners during tenure. You can show data to support innovative programs for, as an example, use of MDF funds, training and certifications. Provides effective enablement.

  3. Works to earn trust. Proof points: Considered ethical and honest by partners. Is transparent about direction of company and limitations of product or service. Minimizes risk of engagement.

We will unveil the 2021 Top Gun 51 list in late July. Don’t miss your opportunity to honor your favorite channel executive!

Don’t wait to nominate!

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About the Author(s)

Buffy Naylor

Senior Managing Editor, Channel Futures

Buffy Naylor is senior managing editor of Channel Futures. Prior to joining Informa (then VIRGO) in 2008, she was an award-winning copywriter and editor, then senior manager of corporate communications for an international leisure travel corporation and, before that, in charge of creative development and copywriting for a boutique marketing and public relations agency.

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