The Channel Insights Summit 2025, powered by Dubai Computer Group (DCG) and hosted by Channel Insights Middle East and Insight Media & Publishing, concluded on a high note bringing together the region’s top channel leaders, innovators, and strategists for an evening of bold thinking, purposeful conversations, and powerful connections.
More than just an industry gathering, the summit served as a moment to pause, reflect, and reimagine the future of the channel—to move forward with sharper focus and renewed purpose.
With the theme ‘Channel 3.0: Accelerating Value in an AI-Driven World’, the event explored how the channel is evolving from product-push to insight-led growth, from fulfilment to foresight, and from traditional programmes to thriving partner ecosystems. At the heart of every conversation were three key drivers: collaboration, reinvention, and courage.
The evening started with an engaging keynote by Sayantan Dev, Global Head of Software Solutions Group at Redington Middle East and Africa. He set the tone with a compelling vision for how the channel can lead in the age of AI, stressing innovation, readiness, and real-world impact.
“The question is not about whether the channel will transform, but how boldly we are going to shape that transformation,” said Sayantan, challenging the audience to lead with intent.
This was followed by an insightful presentation by Dharmendra Sawlani, Board Member at Dubai Computer Group (DCG), who shared a powerful call to action on Responsible AI, emphasising the importance of principled innovation as we step into the era of intelligent transformation.
“Let’s not wait for others to write the rules. Let’s help shape them. Let’s ensure that AI from our region is not only powerful but principled,” he urged.
The evening also featured two dynamic fireside sessions that sparked thoughtful dialogue and honest reflection:
Solving the Skills Crunch in the Channel – Moderated by Adelle Geronimo, with Prasanth Prasad, CTO, Spire Solutions and Suresh Bora, CTO, iConnect IT Business Solutions
Inside the AI-PC Revolution: What Copilot+ Means for the Channel – Moderated by Jean Magdy, Business Development Manager, Logicom Distribution, with Narayanan Venkataraman, Head of Channel – Middle East, Saudi & Africa, HP
The event concluded with the much-anticipated Channel Insights Awards, honouring excellence in channel strategy, innovation, marketing, and partner success.
Congratulations to all the winners who are driving real impact and pushing boundaries across the ecosystem!
WINNER’S NAME | WINNER’S COMPANY | AWARD |
Subeesh Sukumaran | Syscom | Channel Marketing Guru |
Shradha Subramanian | Nutanix | Channel Marketing Guru |
Abdelhak Foul | ASBIS | Business Transformation Champion |
Joyce Raad | Raqmiyat | Business Transformation Champion |
Satyen Chokshi | Mitsumi Distribution | Business Transformation Champion |
Prasanth Prasad | Spire Solutions | Editor’s Choice: Cybersecurity Leader |
Mallika Sharma | HPE Aruba | Editor’s Choice: Marketing Champion |
Ashish Punjabi | Jacky’s | Retail Transformation Leader |
K.U.Shankari | Lukystar | Retail Transformation Leader |
Mohammed Al Tamimi | Akamai | Channel Growth Leader |
Sakkeer Hussain | Dlink | Channel Growth Leader |
Zacky Vaz | Fortinet | Channel Growth Leader |
Sujoy Banerjee | Manage Engine | Channel Growth Leader |
Sheetal Kalra | Solarwinds | Channel Growth Leader |
Habid Kadhalikattil | ASBIS | Channel Growth Leader |
Megha Shastri | Finesse | Channel Engagement Leader |
Jai Bhatia | Newcom | Channel Engagement Leader |
Yasir Arafat | Trigon | Channel Engagement Leader |
Ilyas Mohammed | Amiviz | Channel Strategy Champion |
Daljeet Singh | Iconnect Business Solutions | Channel Impact Leader |
Reem El-Labban | Microsoft | Channel Impact Leader |
Murali Krishna Konasani | Teksalah | Channel Leadership Excellence |
Jignasu Rathod | Elitser | Channel Leadership Excellence |
Asif Khan | Quantum Edge Distribution | Channel Leadership Excellence |
Walid Gomaa | Omnix International | Channel Visionary Award |
DCG | DCG | Partner Success Champion |
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