Flash Storage Maker Taps Ex-EMC Exec to Lead Worldwide Channels

Flash storage maker Virident Systems has tapped Dawn Ruszel, a former EMC (EMC) partner sales manager, as Worldwide Channels senior director.

With flash storage gaining in the marketplace as prices come down, the technology is fast becoming a must-have for solutions-oriented partners. VIrident is moving from relying on its direct sales team to incorporating partners into the sales mix. Ruszel, with some 10 years of channel sales experience, is tasked with building out Virident’s partner ecosystem to extend the company’s sales reach to new accounts, vertical markets and additional geographic regions. In addition, she will oversee Virident initiatives to find new routes to market for its flash storage products such as partner-built solutions and appliances.

“Forming strategic partnerships will be critical to continuing the success that the company’s been achieving,” said Mike Gustafson, Virident chief executive. “Ruszel’s experience in building and growing successful channel strategies is the perfect fit to maximize Virident’s routes to market.”

Ruszel’s background includes stints at BMC Software (BMC), VCE and EMC, where she spent the better part of her channel career. Most recently at EMC, Ruszel served as national channel manager and partner team lead for the Software division, and is credited witdh building a sales accreditation program and on-boarding and enabling the channel community. She also served as regional channel manager for enterprise accounts, managing some $100 million.

“I’m excited to join Virident’s management team and look forward to building a diversified partner ecosystem,” said Ruszel. “As the flash storage market continues to rapidly grow, I’m thrilled to get in on the ground floor and help shape Virident’s channel program. The market traction that the company has accomplished with the direct sales team has been impressive and I can’t wait to see the results from a fully deployed and executed channel strategy,” she said.