BeyondTrust’s Jim Ortbals Named a CRN® Channel Chief

Atlanta, GA – February 2, 2026 — BeyondTrust, the global leader in privilege-centric identity security protecting Paths to Privilege™, announced today that CRN®--a brand of The Channel Company--has selected Jim Ortbals, Senior Vice President, Global Partner Ecosystems, for inclusion on the prestigious 2026 CRN® Channel Chiefs list. This annual recognition celebrates IT vendor and distribution executives who are shaping channel strategy and driving innovation and partnership across the industry.

“Jim’s leadership strengthens the way BeyondTrust and our partners deliver measurable identity security for customers,” said Brent Thurrell, Chief Revenue Officer at BeyondTrust. “He continues to elevate our global partner ecosystem strategy through enablement, collaboration, and services delivery innovation, and we are proud to see CRN recognize his impact on the channel and the partner community.”

Ortbals leads BeyondTrust’s global partner ecosystem strategy as a core element of the company’s go-to-market approach. In his first year at BeyondTrust, he helped further define the partner ecosystem strategy and drove execution with a focus on growth and collaboration.

BeyondTrust has expanded several partner program initiatives over the last twelve months to build upon partner performance while expanding the delivery of partner-based solutions. BeyondTrust launched and implemented its Identity Security Risk Assessment solution through select North America based partners to assist in identifying risks across both human and non-human identity privileges for an organization. In addition to the launch of its Identity Security Risk Assessment, BeyondTrust has added a new "Teaming" designation to its Partner Program to enhance collaboration among partners on current customer opportunities.

The identity security leader continued to strengthen its global partner ecosystem and made significant investments, including:

• Improved partner enablement, strengthening service delivery capabilities and supporting the development of scalable, profitable partner practices.

• Expanded global technical certifications, integrated the Partner Portal into Highspot for more relevant content delivery, and enhanced BeyondTrust University training programs.

• Improved Partner Packaged Service offerings, allowing customers to purchase partner-delivered services directly from BeyondTrust.

• Enhanced the Partner Portal with new functionality, including the Partner Marketplace and Program Compliance Manager, while leveraging automated account mapping to strengthen ecosystem engagement.

• Increased technical enablement and certification opportunities through BeyondTech live events and expanded Service Delivery Partner authorizations to drive greater customer impact.

The annual CRN Channel Chiefs list spotlights the most influential leaders across the IT channel, celebrating those who champion collaboration, drive innovation and empower their partners and customers to achieve shared success.

“Leaders recognized as CRN Channel Chiefs this year have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their partners and the broader IT channel. Their vision, passion and drive for innovation continue to shape the future of our industry. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they make every day,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content, Executive Editor, CRN.

CRN’s 2026 Channel Chiefs list will be featured on CRN.com beginning Feb. 2 at www.CRN.com/ChannelChiefs