Websense channel boss quits for start-up role

Ross Baker heads for pastures new following three-year stint at web filtering vendor

Websense is hunting for a new UK channel boss following Ross Baker's decision to exit the web filtering vendor.

According to sources, Baker is leaving for a channel development role at a start-up security vendor, and his departure is entirely unrelated to Websense's proposed $907m takeover by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.

Baker joined Websense from Check Point in 2010. He held the title of director of channel sales Northern Europe after adding the Nordics and Baltics to his dominion in 2011.

Andy Philpott, Websense's vice president for UK and Ireland, said the vendor hoped to find a replacement for Baker within "the next few weeks".

"Ross Baker has decided to leave Websense to pursue another role," Philpott confirmed.

"We thank Ross for his support over the past few years and wish him all the success in his future. We are actively recruiting for his replacement and remain fully committed to our channel partners."

David Hobson, security practice sales director at MTI, said it is always tough when vendor partners lose "good people".

"As one of Websense's Platinum partners, it is sad to see Ross go and he actually listened to the partners," he said.

Baker, whose leaving party was known to be last Wednesday, could not be reached for comment.