Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) has announced that CRN has named multiple Sharp executives to its esteemed 2024 Channel Chiefs list: John Sheehan, senior vice president of B2B channel sales; Betsy Larson, senior vice president of sales for the professional AV (Pro AV) display division; Bob Madaio, vice president of marketing; Richard Hutton, associate vice president of demand generation and operations; and John Haught, director of distribution sales. CRN's annual Channel Chiefs list recognizes the IT vendor and distribution executives who are driving strategy and setting the channel agenda for their companies.

For the seventh year, Sheehan was selected as a CRN Channel Chief based on his strong leadership skills across Sharp's document channel and AV distribution partners. This year, he played a key role in leveraging the Sharp and Sharp NEC Display Solutions joint venture, expanding the company's product portfolio and increasing Sharp's relevance with its AV distribution partners. Sheehan continues to lead Sharp's B2B AV distribution and MFP channel sales teams as the business progresses into an integrated smart office.

Larson — a six-time CRN Channel Chief honoree — was named for her incredible work overseeing the sales of Sharp- and NEC-branded Pro AV products. She is responsible for the Pro AV channel and end-user sales teams in North America and Latin America, as well as the brand's cinema, direct view LED and solutions teams. In 2023, Larson consistently fostered collaboration and continued engagement to meet mutual objectives and support Sharp's customer community.

Madaio — a four-time CRN Channel Chief honoree — was chosen for his exemplary leadership over the marketing team by providing channel partners with unique solutions that enhance branding and improve channel sales enablement for Sharp solutions. He has worked to further Sharp's channel business through partner-centric events, spending time with dealers and distributors, and engaging the channel in feedback sessions regarding Sharp programs.

With more than 30 years of experience in the IT and AV industry, Hutton is a five-time CRN Channel Chief honoree. As he joins the list again for 2024, Hutton is recognized for driving demand for Sharp and NEC products and solutions through the channel by generating leads and developing mutually profitable relationships across technology and channel partners.

Haught was selected as a first-time Channel Chief this year for his excellent work in streamlining communication and facilitating the consolidation of the Sharp and NEC brands to distribution representatives and customers. Through targeted marketing programs that highlighted Sharp's diverse product lineup, he was not only able to expand the company's distribution reseller base, but also facilitate year-over-year growth among Sharp Pro AV resellers.

"It is gratifying to have so many of our key Sharp leaders named on this year's Channel Chiefs list — recognizing their ongoing hard work and industry insight to make our resellers successful and improving our operations across the board," said Mike Marusic, president and CEO, SIICA. "Our company is proud of John, Betsy, Bob, Richard and John for their dedication to our industry, customers and channel partners."

The Channel Chiefs list, released annually by CRN, showcases the top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers.