ConnectWise Taps Cybersecurity Veteran Craig Rones as CMO to Drive AI-Focused Partner Growth
Event summary
- Craig Rones appointed as Chief Marketing Officer at ConnectWise, effective August 25, 2026.
- Rones brings over 20 years of experience in scaling global technology and security organizations.
- He will lead global marketing strategy, brand, and demand generation, reporting to CEO Manny Rivelo.
- Focus on aligning ConnectWise’s platform positioning with real-world partner outcomes, leveraging AI and automation.
- Rones previously served as CMO at LevelBlue and Trustwave, with senior roles at NTT DATA and Dell.
The big picture
ConnectWise's appointment of Craig Rones as CMO underscores its commitment to a partner-first strategy amid rising AI adoption and cybersecurity risks. Rones' background in high-stakes brand positioning and go-to-market strategies at leading cybersecurity firms positions him to drive ConnectWise's platform value, particularly in helping MSPs grow revenue through automation and AI. The move comes as the IT services sector increasingly relies on intelligent automation to manage escalating complexity and customer expectations.
What we're watching
- AI Integration
- How ConnectWise will leverage Rones' expertise to accelerate the adoption of its AI-native platform among MSPs.
- Partner Outcomes
- Whether Rones can effectively translate platform innovation into measurable business outcomes for ConnectWise's partners.
- Market Positioning
- The pace at which ConnectWise can differentiate itself in the competitive MSP and IT services landscape under Rones' leadership.