Portnox unveils global partner push with new channel VP

Portnox has launched a global channel partner programme and appointed cybersecurity executive Kristen Knight as Vice President of Channel Sales to lead it.

The company said the programme formalises how it works with resellers, value-added resellers and managed security service providers. Portnox said it already has more than 100 active reseller agreements worldwide.

Knight has held senior roles at Barracuda and Mimecast. Portnox said she will focus on expanding the company's footprint across the US and international markets.

Portnox sells cloud-based security products in network access control and zero trust network access. The company positions its technology around passwordless access and zero trust approaches.

Channel focus

Portnox framed the partner push around changes in enterprise IT. It pointed to cloud migration, AI deployment and hybrid work. It said those shifts increase the number of systems and users requiring security controls.

The company said the new partner programme introduces a structured framework. It said the framework includes tools and commercial terms for partner organisations. Portnox also highlighted training and support elements.

Portnox listed several features of the partner programme. These include what it described as "Strategic Positioning & Differentiation". The company said partners will receive access to business outcome material and industry research. It said this information has independent validation.

Portnox also pointed to incentives and deal registration. It said the programme offers "Competitive ARR streams and protection through a simple, clear deal registration process." It did not disclose pricing or margin details.

Training and enablement also form part of the programme, according to Portnox. It said partners can access sales and technical enablement. It said the programme includes structured onboarding and go-to-market resources.

Portnox also highlighted deployment. It said its approach uses software as a service and does not require on-premises hardware.

Leadership hire

Knight described the timing of her move and outlined the approach to partners.

"I am thrilled to join at such a pivotal time in the company's evolution," said Kristen Knight, Vice President of Channel Sales, Portnox. "Having spent years in the legacy security space, I recognize the immense value Portnox brings for enterprises by reducing attack surfaces, realizing secure access at scale, and redefining what's possible with zero trust. Our new program is built on the philosophy of 'hands-on enablement'-we aren't just giving partners a portal; we are providing the personal training, generous incentives, and technical support they need to deliver immediate value to their customers."

Portnox said Knight will work on extending distribution of the company's cloud-native products through a wider network of partners. The company did not provide targets for partner recruitment or revenue contribution.

Market context

Companies have leaned on channel partners for security deployments across identity, network access and endpoint controls. Managed security service providers have also expanded their role in operating these tools.

Portnox positioned its partner programme as a response to customer requirements around access and authentication. It emphasised a move away from credentials. It also referenced zero trust models that focus on continuous verification.

Chief Executive Denny LeCompte linked the partner strategy to the pace of enterprise change and the security implications of credential use.

"Organisations are facing a false tradeoff: move fast with digital transformation and accept credential-based risk, or slow down for security reasons," said Denny LeCompte, Chief Executive Officer, Portnox.

LeCompte says, "Portnox eliminates that tradeoff. With Kristen leading our channel strategy, we're empowering partners to become the team that enables strategic initiatives without compromise. Our partners deliver demonstrably more secure outcomes and measurably faster results with independently validated ROI. That's security you can prove, not just promise."

Portnox said the partner ecosystem will include tracks for managed services, alongside reseller and value-added reseller routes.