Avarni welcomes its first United States hire, Dean Tonks, as its new Partnerships Director. Dean brings over 30 years of experience in channel sales and partnerships, making him an invaluable addition to the Avarni team as we continue to expand globally. Dean will work closely with our customers to help accelerate their decarbonisation journey to reach their net-zero goals, drawing on his expertise from companies like Persefoni, VMWare, and Panasonic.

Following Dean’s previous role as senior director of global partner organisation at Persefoni, he brings valuable experience regarding go-to-market strategy, forming strategic alliances and enabling enterprises and financial institutions to meet climate requirements with ease.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Dean to learn more about his background and what’s to come with his new role at Avarni. Read on to learn more:

‍Can you tell us a bit about your career?

After studying and graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, I began my career in the high-tech industry. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with consultancies, OEMs, solution providers, and end-users to create tailored programs designed to accelerate top-line growth. Additionally, I have developed key initiatives for product solutions and programs throughout the world. I am proud of my proven track record of exceeding goals, building teams, developing lasting relationships, and implementing innovative solutions to complex problems.

Some notable achievements throughout my career include co-creating and implementing Partner Programs at Persefoni, CommVault, EMC, VMware and SentinelOne, including a sales certification program that was instrumental in driving awareness and, by extension, new markets and higher overall revenues. I have also been responsible for company identification, product positioning, segmentation, and recommended solutions to meet market demands.

What excites you the most about Avarni?

Avarni’s mission is critical — reducing global carbon emissions by helping companies accelerate decarbonisation and reach net-zero goals. It’s the incredible technology that we have at our disposal, alongside the people who developed it, that truly excites me. Our team is filled with intelligent and passionate individuals who are all dedicated to tackling the issue of climate change head-on.

At Avarni, the team actively works towards making a positive impact on the environment by leveraging technology and innovation. With a world-renowned data set, Avarni is making carbon accounting and forecasting of Scope 3 emissions seamless.

What are your top priorities as Avarni Partnerships Director?

As the Partnerships Director at Avarni, my top priorities involve driving growth through our partnerships. I believe that partners and strategic alliances are crucial to success, and I am keen to hit the ground running  in 2023.

One of my main goals is to establish a Voice of the Partner (VoP) program, which will provide a forum for our partners to share feedback on their partnership, solutions, and customer conditions. By creating this open and candid dialogue, we can work together to ensure that our partnerships are successful and mutually beneficial.

Another top priority is to ensure that we are rewarding every single influencer in the sales cycle. It is important to listen to partners and understand their needs, and I am committed to ensuring that Avarni is providing the necessary support and incentives to help our partners succeed. Overall, I am dedicated to fostering strong partnerships that drive success for both our partners and Avarni.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at Avarni?

I enjoy a range of activities that keep me active and engaged. When I am not spending time with my family, you can often find me surfing, golfing, or cycling as they help me stay focused and prioritise a healthy lifestyle. Sports are also a big part of my life, and I am an avid fan of F1, rugby and soccer.

In addition to living an active lifestyle, I am a travel fanatic and enjoy exploring new places and cultures. Whether it’s sampling a nice tequila or whisky or trying new foods. I love immersing myself in new experiences and expanding my horizons as it helps me to be well-rounded. I am always looking for new opportunities to learn, grow, and experience new things both inside and outside of work.

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