Woburn, MA – May 21, 2019 – Kaspersky Lab announced today that CRN_® has named Cecilia Lessard, senior director of distribution, channel sales, and Ivana Abruzzese, senior channel marketing manager, as well as Shelly Fitzpatrick, channel sales manager, to its prestigious 2019 Women of the Channel list. The company’s female executives have been honored for this award over the last 10 years.

The leaders on this annual list are from all areas of the IT channel ecosystem, representing technology suppliers, distributors, solution providers, and other IT organizations. Each is recognized for her contributions to channel advocacy, channel growth and visionary leadership.

In her leadership role, Lessard has proven her success in creating and directing strategic initiatives.

She continuously works to create programs to expand the resellers partnerships and develop opportunities to address continued partner engagement. Within the last year, she has been instrumental in advancing the company’s solutions packaging and service levels to enhance the needs of partners. This is Lessard’s third consecutive year earning the Women of the Channel achievement.

Additionally, Abruzzese has demonstrated her expertise in channel sales, marketing and strategic account management over the course of over 10 years in the industry. Over the past year, she’s focused on improving the partner experience, developing industry-leading assets and leveraging marketing management strategies to deliver results. Her tenured experience has driven growth for the company’s channel marketing efforts and been recognized by CRN Women of the Channel for the second consecutive year.

In her first year as an honoree, Fitzpatrick’s efforts have been to develop strong partnerships, expand the channel’s knowledge of Kaspersky Lab solutions and facilitate increases in partner revenue streams. Having been in channel sales for over 15 years, she has successfully demonstrated her experience in serving as a trusted advisor for channel partners and motivating her team of sellers.

“CRN’s 2019 Women of the Channel list honors influential leaders who are accelerating channel growth through mutually-beneficial partnerships, incredible leadership, strategic vision, and unique contributions in their field,” said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. “This accomplished group of leaders is driving channel success and we are proud to honor their achievements.”

“Knowing first-hand how incredibly talented and hardworking my colleagues are, it’s commendable for them to receive this recognition from CRN,” said Matthew Courchesne, head of channel, Kaspersky Lab U.S. “Each of these leaders are instrumental in bringing innovative ideas and strategies to our channel program while empowering partners. They work tirelessly to represent our brand and drive company growth, and I know they will continue to achieve great success.”

CRN editors choose the list from a multitude of channel leadership applicants based on their professional accomplishments, demonstrated expertise, and ongoing dedication to the IT channel. The 2019 Women of the Channel list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/WOTC.