Vectra, the provider of network threat detection and response, has hired Jessica Couto, formerly with Jask, as its new vice president of channel for the Americas.

Couto will be responsible for devising a go-to-market strategy while providing a complete program to Vectra’s global partners of all types.

Couto said this is “an exciting time” for Vectra.

Vectra’s Jessica Couto

“The Cognito platform provides solutions to our partners to better assist their customers with their needs of consolidation [of] security tools while providing award-winning real time detection, conclusive head hunting and correlation of meta data in one location,” she said. “Partners are seeking more inclusive solutions. Combin[ing] Vectra’s Cognito along with our ecosystem partners and we have it. Personally, I enjoy helping partners and vendors solve customer problems and this technology enables [us] to do that.”

Vectra wants to expand its portfolio from resellers to more MSSPs, SIs, threat hunters and others, Couto said. Expanding its reach into more regions within the Americas will result in more opportunities for partners, she said.

“Having only been here for two weeks, I am working to fully understand the global partner program and if any changes should be made to the program,” she said. “Whatever we do will be based on enabling for the best partner experience possible. Top of my list is speaking to our partners and Vectra employees to understand goals, challenges, needs and experiences. Once that is completed, then a compilation of the feedback will help me select the top five priorities to focus on moving forward. There is support, from our CEO down, to always be 100% channel friendly so I know that the goals for the business and partners will be supported.”

Couto has a long history of partner development in cybersecurity companies including Jask, IntSights, Hexadite – which was acquired by Microsoft – Carbonite, Bit9 – acquired by Carbon Black – and Kaspersky. She most recently was strategic adviser at Jask.

“Having been in the channel for more than 15 years, I trust my partners fully to share with me their needs and observations,” she said. “It is a true partnership and my relationships are founded on trust, fairness and integrity.  Over the years I have learned what works and what does not work with the channel, and how to make changes necessary based on partner engagement.”