CHANNEL CHIEF

With close to twenty years in the industry, Claire Jones’ ingredients for success continues to be valuing relationships, balancing life style, and team emphasis on honesty and fun.

Claire Jones is Director of Partner Sales for Middle East and Africa at Juniper Networks

“ Juniper Networks has had a sharp focus on developing a strong partner base from the beginning of our operations in the region, and I take pride in building this out further. Developing long standing and mutually beneficial relationships with partners is the most satisfying part of my role,” she explains.

At Juniper Networks, Claire is responsible for channel and alliance partner strategy and execution across Middle East and Africa. On a more, pan regional scale, Claire believes resellers are transitioning to new business models at a rapid pace.

Prior to Juniper Networks, Claire had a long stint at Cisco in the region, from 2005 to 2015 in multiple roles as Commercial Sales and Partner Manager, Regional Partner Manager for Strategic Partners, and Regional Manager. She has also previously worked at 3Com and BT.

So, what is Claire’ s work style and what keeps her motivated and focused on her role? She explains her workstyle.“ I work best in an honest, authentic, collaborative and fun environment. I embrace these values in my work style.” Other work attributes important for her are also influenced by the organisational culture and include open communication, honesty and a united team goal. Claire believes the Juniper Networks’ work culture give her the opportunity to drive these values herself and collectively into her team.

Claire’ s sense of achievement comes from having developed professional and personal relationships with channel partners across Middle East and Africa, who have gone ahead and grown over the years.“ Seeing how these partners have grown over years and having them acknowledge my contribution to their growth, gives me a huge sense of accomplishment.”

Claire extends the importance of relationships into her personal lifestyle as well. They are vital for her and she gains inspiration and happiness from her family and friends. She also works hard to give them priority in her life.

However, one of the biggest contributions that senior women IT executives like Claire do provide in a much bigger way is mentoring and encouraging other women to enter the field of information technology in the region. Claire points out, that IT is a maledominated industry, particularly in the Middle East, and presents challenges for female professionals.

And over the last twenty years there have been changes.“ I am pleased to see the progress made in terms of gender diversity. More women now choose to work in IT with the belief that they can achieve their career growth in this industry.”

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