Cisco backs CRN Women in Channel until 2020

Networking giant to headline sponsor awards for next three years

Cisco has signed up as a headline sponsor of CRN's Women in Channel Awards for the next three years.

CRN's inaugural Women in Channel campaign will culminate in an awards ceremony in central London on 18 October. As well as recognising the top executives and talented staff who will inspire a new generation of women entering the industry, the campaign has also enabled CRN to highlight some of the diversity challenges faced by the IT channel.

In a three-year deal, Cisco has come on board as a headline sponsor of the Women in Channel Awards and the CRN Channel Awards until 2020.

Angela Whitty (pictured), managing director, UKI Partner Organisation at Cisco, said: "Diversity is a fundamental component of Cisco's culture and we are keen to support all initiatives that promote an inclusive approach.

"We were delighted to see CRN launch the inaugural Women in Channel Awards to recognise the immense female talent base out there. Our commitment to sponsoring these awards for the next three years presents an opportunity for us to partner further with CRN to fly the flag for creating an environment where everyone can bring the best of themselves to work.

"Our headline sponsorship of the main CRN awards for me is a no-brainer! The biggest night in the channel year with awards that are coveted throughout the partner ecosystem, it allows Cisco to reaffirm its commitment to being a channel-first vendor."

Matt Dalton, commercial director of CRN, added: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to our Women in Channel campaign in its first year, with nearly 400 talented women nominated for the awards that will take place later this month.

"Cisco's backing of this project for the next three years is proof that it has struck a chord with the industry and we are very glad to have such a marquee name on board as a partner."