Cloudflare selects Suchanda Mandal as VP APAC partnerships

One of her roles is to build a partner first organisation within Australia

Cloudflare has hired Suchanda Mandal as its new VP of APAC partnerships where she will focus on building a partner-first organisation in Australia.

The company is currently shifting to a partner-first business and aims to invests with strategic channel partners for long-term growth across the APAC region.

In her role, Mandal will lead channel partner strategy, expansion, and revenue for the APAC region.

Speaking to CRN Australia Mandal said her focus for Australia is to build strengthen partner relationships and expand the company's joint business to better serve customer needs.

“Our strategy includes a strong focus on strategic partnerships, enablement, co-sell initiatives, and marketing support to establish and grow with our partners in a competitive market,” she said.

“Additionally, we’ll be doubling down on high-growth areas such as migration, security, and AI-based offerings, ensuring partners have the tools and incentives they need to grow with us."

Looking at the channel, she said she is seeing “significant opportunities” around cloud transformation, services, and security.

“Where customers are looking for trusted advisors for help with everything from developing an AI strategy to ensuring their data is safe to applying technology to broader business goals,” she explained.

“AI and automation are also reshaping customer expectations, opening up opportunities for partners who can deliver measurable business outcomes and can add real value by helping customers drive revenue, optimise costs and scale effectively."

Mandal said she wants Australian partners to know that they are committed to build with them, be easy to do business with and keen to drive growth together.

“Our partner-first approach means we’re listening closely to feedback, investing in people, processes and programs that reward performance, and providing clear pathways for partners to capture new opportunities,” she noted.

“Most importantly, we see our partners as strategic advisors, and an extension of our field, to help address the needs of our customers."

Prior to joining Cloudflare, Mandal was head of strategic partnerships for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) at AWS.

Mandal added, "We’re excited about the momentum in the Australian market and the role our partners play in driving innovation for customers.

“The coming year is about collaboration, growth, and seizing the opportunities in front of us - together. Our ask of partners is simple: lean into the transformation journey with us, continue to innovate, and let’s accelerate our joint success in the region."