Sorgen steps out of global channel chief role

Gavriella Schuster to take over in the interim

Microsoft's Phil Sorgen has left his role as global channel chief, moving to lead the US channel instead.

Sorgen (pictured) stepped into the role of corporate vice president of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Group in 2013, replacing John Roskill, who left to take on a number of investor and advisory roles. Sorgen is now Microsoft's corporate vice president of the US Enterprise and Partner Group.

Microsoft's general manager of worldwide partner programmes Gavriella Schuster will step up to become channel chief in the interim before a replacement is hired.

In a statement, Microsoft added that it is "committed to the Worldwide Partner Group and its vast partner ecosystem".

Microsoft's partners have faced a number of changes during Sorgen's time leading the channel, driven mainly by the company's quick acceleration to the cloud. Most recently, Microsoft announced plans to scrap a dozen competencies and replace them with cloud-friendlier versions.

Kelvin Kirby, CEO of Microsoft partner Technology Associates, told CRN that Sorgen will have more responsibility in the new job.

"The Enterprise Group is a much bigger company," he said. "Whereas the Partner Group generally refers to the SMB partners, although it does include some enterprise partners. Moving to the Enterprise Group is a bit more of a feather in one's cap. He will be dealing with higher-powered partners. Eighty per cent of enterprise partners drive revenue for Microsoft. That's what his focus will be. And because the focus will be on the US, which is the prime generator of revenue for Microsoft."

Kirby added that Sorgen's interim replacement Schuster is "well liked" in the channel, and that he would be pleased for her to continue in the role permanently.

"Gavriella is the perfect replacement for Phil," he said.