Jay McBain

Jay McBain is the Chief Analyst at Canalys, a prominent global analyst firm specializing in channels, partnerships, alliances, and ecosystems. With over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, McBain has established himself as a leading thought leader in the channel ecosystem. He is known for providing insights and guidance to technology vendors on developing effective partnering strategies and adapting to industry trends.

Professional Background

• Current Role: Chief Analyst at Canalys since April 2022, where he leads channels research in North America and contributes to global research initiatives.12
• Previous Experience: Before joining Canalys, he served as a Principal Analyst at Forrester, where he gained recognition as a thought leader in the channel space and was awarded the 2021 Channel Influencer of the Year by Channel Partners Magazine. His career also includes executive roles at IBM, Lenovo, and his own venture, ChannelEyes, which focused on channel partner sales solutions.13

Education

McBain holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Lethbridge and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Louisiana State University.1

Recognition and Influence

He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named among the Top 40 Under Forty by the Business Review and recognized by various industry publications for his contributions to channel strategy and innovation.3 McBain is frequently invited to speak at industry events and is involved in several advisory councils related to technology and business partnerships.3

Personal Insights

Originally from Canada, McBain currently resides in Florida. He is passionate about travel and has visited over 100 countries, reflecting his adventurous spirit alongside his professional endeavors.4

In summary, Jay McBain's extensive experience and leadership in channel strategy make him a significant figure in the technology industry, particularly regarding partnerships and ecosystem development.