MARLBOROUGH, MASS. -- ExaGrid®, the industry’s only Tiered Backup Storage solution with AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock (RTL) that includes a non-network-facing tier (creating a tiered air gap), delayed deletes and immutability for ransomware recovery, announced that CRN®—a brand of The Channel Company—has selected Sam Elbeck, ExaGrid’s Vice President of Americas Sales and Channel Partners, for inclusion on the prestigious 2026 CRN® Channel Chiefs list. This annual recognition celebrates IT vendor and distribution executives who are shaping channel strategy and driving innovation and partnership across the industry.

“It’s an honor to be named to the Channel Chiefs list again this year,” said Sam Elbeck. “We are committed to the channel and view our partners as an extension of ExaGrid. We collaborate closely on every opportunity to ensure mutual success. Our channel philosophy centers on building long-term relationships grounded in honesty, integrity, and transparency. We strive for ExaGrid to be known as the easiest company to work with by being flexible, responsive, and partner-focused while delivering high margins, strong incentives, and exceptional support. Together, we create a win-win model that drives growth, loyalty, and trust across the channel ecosystem.”

ExaGrid works with resellers and distributors worldwide. The ExaGrid channel programs are designed to be easy for partners, with support from the ExaGrid sales team and without milestone commitments. ExaGrid is known for having a Tiered Backup Storage system that “just works,” is not oversold or undersized, and provides its customers with the best customer support in the industry with an assigned level 2 technical support engineer, ensuring that partners’ customers are well taken care of. ExaGrid provides its reseller partners with a registration program to protect accounts and margins, and SPIF incentives.

The annual CRN Channel Chiefs list spotlights the most influential leaders across the IT channel, celebrating those who champion collaboration, drive innovation and empower their partners and customers to achieve shared success.

“Leaders recognized as CRN Channel Chiefs this year have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their partners and the broader IT channel. 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,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content, Executive Editor, CRN.