Forescout’s Channel Chief Drives Growth in a Zero-Trust World

SAN JOSE, CA – February 03, 2026 – In a move that underscores a deep-seated commitment to its partner ecosystem, Forescout Technologies’ David Creed has been named to the prestigious 2026 CRN® Channel Chiefs list. For Creed, the Vice President of Worldwide Channel Sales, this marks his second consecutive year receiving the honor, a testament to his leadership and the significant success of Forescout’s channel-centric business model in an increasingly complex cybersecurity market.

The recognition from CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, is more than a personal accolade; it serves as a powerful validation of Forescout’s strategy to place its global network of partners at the forefront of its growth. The annual Channel Chiefs list celebrates IT executives who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to driving innovation and success through the channel. For a company that now funnels over 95% of its sales through partners, this award highlights a strategy that is clearly paying dividends.

The Architect of a Partner-First Powerhouse

David Creed, a 30-year veteran of indirect channels and alliances with a resume that includes leadership roles at McAfee, Carbon Black, and Armis, joined Forescout in August 2023. His tenure has been marked by a deliberate and impactful reinforcement of the company’s partner-first philosophy. Under his guidance, Forescout has not only sustained its channel momentum but has significantly accelerated it.

In 2025, Creed spearheaded a series of strategic initiatives designed to empower partners and deepen collaboration. A key move was the realignment of incentives to better reward partners for their contributions across the sales cycle. This culminated in programs like the “Gold Standard Partner Incentive Program,” which was crafted based on direct partner feedback. It offers substantial payouts for identifying opportunities and closing major deals, with rewards reaching up to $10,000 for contracts exceeding $1 million in annual value. This focus on making Forescout easy to work with and profitable for its partners has been a cornerstone of Creed’s approach.

The results of this strategic focus are tangible. The company’s global channel ecosystem now boasts nearly 2,000 certified partner sellers, a critical force for delivering Forescout’s sophisticated security solutions. Furthermore, seven strategic partners advanced to higher tiers within the Envision Partner Program in 2025, demonstrating a clear path for growth and success within the Forescout ecosystem. This progress is backed by strong business performance, including a 20% increase in new recurring bookings in 2024 and the closure of 48 deals valued at over $1 million each.

Navigating the Evolving Zero-Trust Landscape

Creed’s recognition and Forescout’s channel success are not happening in a vacuum. They are set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving threat landscape where the principles of Zero Trust are no longer optional but essential. The industry is grappling with AI-driven attacks, the explosion of connected devices across IT, OT, IoT, and medical environments (IoMT), and the complexities of securing cloud-native architectures.

In this environment, a robust and highly skilled channel is a critical competitive advantage. Delivering comprehensive solutions like Forescout’s Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA) requires deep technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of each customer’s unique environment. A direct sales force alone cannot achieve the scale and specialized knowledge necessary to secure the sprawling, heterogeneous networks of modern enterprises and governments.

This is where Forescout’s partner strategy becomes a key differentiator against competitors in the Network Access Control (NAC) and Zero Trust spaces. By investing heavily in the training and certification of its partners, Forescout is building an extended army of experts capable of deploying and managing its platform effectively. The Envision Partner Program offers specialized training in high-demand areas like operational technology security and network segmentation, enabling partners to address the most pressing security challenges their clients face.

From Program to Prowess: The Voice of the Partner

The strength of Forescout’s channel strategy is perhaps best measured by the perspective of its partners. Anonymous feedback from the channel community reveals a strong appreciation for the company's collaborative approach. Partners have described Forescout's team as going “above and beyond,” fostering a relationship built on mutual trust and support. This sentiment is crucial in a market where channel partners have numerous vendors to choose from.

Testimonials highlight the real-world effectiveness of Forescout’s platform, praising its ability to provide comprehensive device visibility, real-time monitoring, and automated threat response. One partner noted the value in achieving critical compliance standards, such as PCI-DSS Level 1, for their clients using the platform. Another lauded a “100-percent seamless install,” underscoring the product's maturity and the quality of partner support.

“I’m honored to be recognized by CRN for these achievements and congratulate my fellow honorees on their continued leadership and commitment to the channel,” said David Creed in the official announcement. “At Forescout, we believe strong partnerships are built on trust, clarity, and shared success. That’s why we invest in providing our partners with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. When our partners can clearly articulate Forescout’s technical and business value, we unlock opportunities, accelerate growth, and drive collective impact.”

This sentiment is echoed by CRN, which champions the vital role of channel leaders. “Leaders recognized as CRN Channel Chiefs this year have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their partners and the broader IT channel,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN. “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.” As Forescout continues to navigate the future of cybersecurity, its success appears inextricably linked to the strength and vitality of the channel ecosystem that leaders like David Creed have so carefully cultivated.