The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director, Global Channels & Alliances (from large enterprise)
5-8 years at Director levelSkills to master
- Scaling global programmes, managing multi-million-pound P&L, executive stakeholder management, M&A integration, building and leading large international teams.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeded channel revenue targets in complex, global organisations.
- Successfully led significant channel transformations or market expansions.
- Proven ability to influence C-suite decisions and present to Board-level audiences.
- Built and retained high-performing global teams, with demonstrable leadership development.
- 2
VP, Sales or Marketing (with strong channel focus)
7-10 years at VP level in a large enterpriseSkills to master
- Deep understanding of the full go-to-market strategy, integrating direct and indirect sales motions, P&L ownership, executive-level strategic planning, investor relations.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrated ability to drive substantial revenue growth in previous VP roles.
- Successfully integrated channel strategies into broader sales or marketing initiatives.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets and P&Ls.
- Proven track record of building and motivating large, diverse teams across sales and marketing functions.
- 3
Senior Partner in a Channel Consulting Firm
8-12 years as a Senior PartnerSkills to master
- Strategic advisory for global channel programmes, market analysis, competitive benchmarking, M&A due diligence for channel, deep industry expertise across multiple sectors.
You're ready to move on when
- Advised multiple Fortune 500 companies on their global channel strategies.
- Led complex channel transformation projects with measurable impact.
- Developed and presented strategic recommendations to C-suite clients.
- Possesses a broad network within the global channel ecosystem.