As Channel Distribution Dynamics Shift for MSPs, Pax8 Taps David Powell as VP Sales Strategy

Cloud Marketplaces Becoming Increasingly Popular for Growing MSP Businesses

Pax8 has announced the appointment of David Powell as Vice President of Sales Strategy as part of an ongoing initiative to bring top talent into the business while promoting top talent from within the ranks. Last year, the company celebrated hitting the $1B ARR milestone in NYC at the Nasdaq Marketsite and, a year after receiving a major infusion of capital, Pax8 is wasting no time in expanding its global footprint, acquiring businesses and building its bench.

Pax8 announced a raise of $185 million in new equity capital last year from new investor SoftBank Vision Fund 2, increasing the company's valuation to $1.7 billion. SoftBank Vision Fund led the funding series with additional contributions from existing investors Catalyst Investors, Sageview Capital, Blue Cloud Ventures, and Liberty Global Ventures.

In his role, Powell will lead the company's sales strategy efforts to drive growth and revenue with a strong focus on working with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to develop and strengthen their cyber security offerings. Powell's appointment is part of Pax8's heightened commitment to assist MSPs in expanding their cyber security strategies to meet the evolving needs of their customers in today's rapidly growing security environment. 

With more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Powell is a well-regarded and accomplished professional who has excelled in various areas such as account management, security, sales and marketing, channel strategy, and business acquisitions and development. Notably, Powell has had an outstanding career in Software as a Service (SaaS) with impressive achievements. Powell will report to Jared Pangretic, Pax8 Senior Vice President of Sales, Americas.

"We are thrilled to have someone of David's caliber join Pax8 during this significant period of our company's growth," said Pangretic. "David's passion for the channel community is evident in his efforts to empower MSPs and help them succeed in a constantly evolving market. His extensive network and deep understanding of the MSP landscape have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the industry."

Powell's career highlights include serving as Chief Revenue Officer at Evo Security, an IAM platform for MSPs.  Prior to that, Powell was President at Prodoscore and is a board member of the Inspire Brands Foundation. 

Powell also served as Senior Vice President of Growth at ConnectWise, where he was responsible for account management and cyber security partner programs. Powell also played a key role in the expansion of multiple SaaS businesses, including LogicMonitor (which was acquired by Vista Equity Partners) and Perch Cybersecurity (purchased by ConnectWise).

He has a wealth of experience in companies that have experienced rapid growth, having been part of three successful exits and seven acquisitions backed by private equity.

"David's extensive experience and exceptional track record will undoubtedly prove invaluable to our organization," said Nick Heddy, Chief Commerce Officer at Pax8. "We are particularly excited about his amazing work and contributions in the MSP realm, and we look forward to seeing his contributions drive our partners' continued success."

Powell received his BA Arts in Communications and MA in Public Relations from the University of Alabama. He was recognized as a CRN Channel Chief in 2017, 2021, and 2022 and was included in the Birmingham Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2011. Additionally, he has been featured five times on the MS Mentor list of "Top 250 People in Managed Services."

"Joining the Pax8 team is a great privilege, and I am eager to help MSPs of all scales to navigate the complex landscape of cyber security threats," said Powell. "As the prevalence of these threats is not diminishing, but instead anticipated to continue expanding and intensifying over time, my aim, in tandem with Pax8's mission of fostering MSP achievement, is to help MSPs implement strong and all-encompassing cyber security solutions that ensure the protection of both their organization and their clients."

Pax8 also recently announced Klaus Dimmler, a co-founder of the company, was named Chief Science Officer, while also naming Caroline Goles Chief Marketing Officer.  Channel veteran Rob Rae joined Pax8 earlier this year as CVP of Community and Ecosystems.