Channel Chat Podcast
Channel Chat Podcast
Marc Sumner - CEO @ Robertson Sumner Ltd | Channel Chat
#273 Neil Burton: If You Want To Develop Your Skills, You Have To Move On.
40 minutes Posted Apr 9, 2026 at 8:07 am.
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Show notes

Marc sits down with Neil Burton, VP & GM of EMEA at Coro, for a sharp, honest conversation about the transformation, channel evolution, and the future of cybersecurity across one of the most complex regions in the world. 

Neil opens up about his journey from mainframe programmer to running a £500m business, why he thrives in high-change environments, and what the channel keeps getting wrong, and right. 

In this episode, Neil shares: 

  • How he moved from programming to leading major business units
  • Why big organisations struggle to deliver real transformation
  • The moment he realised the industry was too obsessed with "the deal"
  • Why partners must operate with more integrity than vendors 
  • What drew him to Coro and why he prefers building over running
  • Why SMB cybersecurity is the biggest untapped opportunity 
  • How AI is reshaping buying behaviour - and MSP delivery 
  • The challenges of distribution across EMEA
  • Why emerging markets energise him more than the majors

A candid, insightful conversation with one of the channel's most experienced builders.