As the industry continues working together to combat evolving cyber threats like AI-driven phishing attacks, Yubico is committed to a channel-first approach and continued focus in growing a robust global partner network. In alignment with these efforts, we are thrilled to announce that Clifton Slater, Yubico’s VP, Channels, Americas, has been recognized on CRN’s prestigious 2026 Channel Chiefs list. 

This annual honor by CRN – a leading IT channel publication – highlights the top executives who drive strategy for tech companies across the U.S., celebrating leaders dedicated to ensuring mutual success with partners and customers. This follows Clifton’s recognition last year in CRN’s 2025 list – a testament to his passion for building relationships and fostering strong partnerships with our partners and customers. With more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity and Channel management, Clifton has been instrumental in driving Yubico’s ecosystem to provide best-in-class secure authentication solutions and strengthening relationships. 

Through a robust program designed to fit the diverse goals of distributors, resellers and MSPs, Yubico empowers partners to deliver the gold standard in phishing-resistant authentication while growing their own revenue. For companies interested in accelerating their security portfolios and joining our ecosystem, we invite you to explore the benefits of partnering with Yubico. To get started, you can visit our ‘Become a Reseller’ page for more information – or contact our team directly for any questions and to discuss how we can work together. 

To dive deeper into our Channel strategy, check out our interview with Clifton below for more details on the recognition, key Channel trends organizations need to navigate, and what partners can expect in the year ahead.

Can you describe your personal Channel philosophy?

The best Channel programs don’t add layers – they remove barriers. My focus is to make Yubico the easiest security company to partner with by simplifying how partners sell, deliver, and renew. When pricing is clear, enablement is practical, and rewards are meaningful, partners lead the growth story. I measure success by one thing: our partners’ profitability and pride in selling Yubico.

In what area(s) would you most like to see your Channel partners invest in 2026?

In 2026, I want our partners to double down on identity security, automation and services. The future belongs to those who can deliver phishing-resistant MFA as part of a broader zero trust framework – fast profitably and at scale. Partners should invest in professional services that accelerate deployments, automation that simplifies renewals and reporting, and enablement that turns sellers into trusted security advisors. 

The opportunity isn’t just in selling YubiKeys – it’s in building recurring, high-margin practices around them. Those who lead with security outcomes, not SKUs, will own the customer relationship and shape the next era of authentication.

What will be the biggest challenges facing your partners in 2026 and how will you help partners overcome them?

In 2026, partners will face a crossroads between commoditized MFA and trusted identity solutions that deliver measurable impact. Their biggest challenge will be cutting through noise and proving value in a crowded security landscape. Yubico will help partners differentiate by equipping them with use-case – driven plays, ROI-based messaging, and services-led offerings through YubiKey as a Service. 

We’ll also continue automating pricing, quoting, and renewals so partners can focus on customers, not processes. Our goal is simple: help every partner evolve from product reseller to identity advisor, owning the customer relationship across the entire security lifecycle.

What does it mean for you to receive this award/achievement? 

For me personally, this recognition is meaningful because it speaks to how the work is done, not just the outcome. Channel leadership requires a balancing strategy with execution, partner needs with internal alignment, and short-term growth with long, long-term trust.

So, being named a Channel Chief affirms that the approach we’re taking here at Yubico:partner first, enablement-driven, and execution-focused resonates with our Channel partners.

What does this mean for Yubico? 

There’s the recognition for Yubico where we just reinforce our position as a Channel-first company that takes partnerships seriously, not just as a route to market, but we see it as a strategic growth engine.

It validates the investments Yubico has made in enablement, program design, and long-term partner success. But more importantly, I think it signals to the market that Yubico is committed to building with partners, not around them. In an identity first security world, trust matters, and I think this award is just a reflection of that.

For those listening who are building their own Channel programs, what are 3 key motions or takeaways to have them improve or begin that journey?

My advice would be to build motions, not just programs. A partner program on paper isn’t enough; you need clear, repeatable motions for how the pipeline is created, how deals are supported, how services are attached, and how success is measured. If partners can’t easily explain how to win with you, the program won’t scale.

Second, invest in enablement before incentives. Discounts get attention, but enablement drives outcomes. Partners win when they understand the problem you solve, how you fit into broader architectures, and where they can attach services. The strongest Channel partners prioritize education, simplicity, and confidence over short-term incentives.

Finally, treat partners like long-term operators, not transactions. The best Channel relationships are built on trust, transparency, and shared accountability. That means being clear about expectations, following through operationally, and listening when partners give hard feedback. If you design your program for longevity instead of quick wins, growth becomes much more predictable.