Dell Technologies channel legend Cheryl Cook announced that she is planning to retire at the end of May.
“After an incredible journey and discussions with my sons, Garrett and Logan, I shared internally this morning that I will retire at the end of May after nearly 40 years in the industry. I am incredibly proud of our partner team and the work we have accomplished together,” wrote Cook, Dell’s senior vice president, global partner marketing in a LinkedIn post. “I am confident they will continue to drive partner success.”
She began her journey in tech with a computer science degree from the University of Florida, but quickly earned sales leadership roles, moving from director of sales at NCR Corp. to senior vice president at Sun Microsystems. Dell hired Cook as vice president of enterprise solutions in 2011. She moved to the partner side of the business in 2013, driving channel strategy and executing channel programs.
Scott Dunsire, CEO of Melillo Consulting, a Somerset, N.J., Dell Titanium partner, praised Cook as a channel stalwart who provided strong channel leadership in support of Dell’s sales driven culture.
“Cheryl is a true channel stalwart,” said Dunsire in testament to Cook’s 38-year channel career. “Nearly 40 years in the channel is pretty damn impressive given that the channel is not for the weak of heart. Her channel experience is going to be sorely missed.”ADVERTISEMENT
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Dunsire said Cook has been a long-standing “strong positive influence” in helping shape Dell’s channel strategy. “Her communication to partners was consistent and clear in helping shape Dell’s go to market,” he said.
Cook’s decision to retire comes with a deep Dell channel bench and the company “firing on all channel cylinders,” said Dunsire.
“Dell’s presence in the channel and how they work with partners is at the highest level I have seen in many years,” he said. “We feel the momentum and support from Dell whether it is with channel programs, support or field engagement has been a big differentiator in helping us grow our business with Dell.”
Gary McConnell, CEO of Nanuet, N.Y.-based Dell platinum partner VirtuIT, praised Cook’s instrumental work in integrating the Dell and EMC’s channels.
“We saw Cheryl lead the channel and then take over Partner Marketing and Messaging after the Dell acquisition of EMC. In a turbulent time trying to effectively integrate two companies, she seemed to be a face of direction when Partners needed it most. End of an era.”
On LinkedIn, Cook said she was looking forward to what comes next and is optimistic about the role that Dell’s partners are going to play in “bringing these innovations to life.”
“I am enthusiastic about the future of our industry, the game-changing emerging technologies being brought to market, and most importantly, our partner ecosystem, which will continue to play a significant role in bringing these innovations to life for our customers,” she said. “I am not going away just yet. I will be here for the next couple of months, through Dell Technologies World, and I look forward to seeing all of you there!”
C.R. Howdyshell, CEO of Advizex, a Fulcrum IT Partners company, a member of the Dell partner advisory board, said Cook has been an advocate for partners as well as a voice for women in the channel. “Cheryl has been omnipresent in the Dell channel and a strong voice for diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said. “She will be missed.”
Mary Catherine Wilson, chief marketing officer at Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Future Tech Enterprise, a Dell Titanium partner, said Cook’s impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.
“Cheryl knows the channel like no other,” said Wilson, a former 23-year Dell veteran who considers Cook a friend and mentor. “Her guidance and expertise have been the cornerstone of Dell’s channel success for the past decade. Cheryl mastered the art of ‘and’, bringing partners and Dell together and driving tremendous business. Cheryl has vision, drive, collaborates with others to execute, and cares deeply about her team and partners.”
Wilson described Cook as a “glitter and grit” leader who helped champion the channel within Dell and started a Dell women’s network.
“I adore her,” said Wilson. “She has done a tremendous amount for my career and many other women’s careers. She is a tremendous leader with both vision and the ability to deliver on that vision, which is rare in a leader. I wish her endless joy in retirement.”