IT Channel Leaders And Vendors Recognised At GTIA’s 2026 ANZ Spotlight Awards

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) has named nine winners across its 2026 ANZ Spotlight Awards, recognising individuals and organisations for their contributions to the Australian and New Zealand IT channel.

The awards were presented at the Hyatt Regency Sydney as part of a joint ceremony with the CRN Channel Awards Australia, marking the first time the two programs have been staged together.

The GTIA is a vendor-neutral, nonprofit membership community that connects and represents the global IT channel, with professionals from nearly 3,000 ITSPs, vendors, distributors and other companies in its network.

GTIA Chief Community Officer, MJ Shoer, remarked: “Our members across ANZ continue to demonstrate genuine and enthusiastic engagement, innovation and thought leadership both locally and on a global scale.”

“It’s a privilege to recognise their achievements over the past 12 months, and we thank them for the impact they’ve made on our community,” he added.

Individual award winners

CEO at Avocado Consulting, Gerardo Barranquero, received the Community Leadership Award for his commitment, professionalism and service to the GTIA community over the past year. The award recognises an individual member whose leadership has had a measurable and positive impact.

Head of IT Delivery at CJI Systems, Lynda Irving, was named Future Leader Award winner. The award is given to a young professional who demonstrates innovation, entrepreneurial success and industry impact.

The Cybersecurity Leadership Award went to Director at Secure Access IT, Jason Garland, for his dedication, expertise and leadership in strengthening cybersecurity resilience across the GTIA community.

Founder and Director at One Little Seed, Kristal Jamieson, won the Advancing Women in Technology Leadership Award. The award recognises those who champion women in technology, serve as role models and drive change within the GTIA community, the IT channel and their broader networks.

Organisation award winners

Jamieson’s company, One Little Seed, also picked up the Associate Member Award for its engagement with the GTIA community and the impact it has had on the lives and careers of channel professionals across the region.

Crayon, a SoftwareOne company, took home the Advancing Diversity in Technology Leadership award for championing a more inclusive and equitable technology channel.

Sophos won the Innovative Vendor Award for its work in improving customer experiences, supporting partners and delivering value across the IT channel.

Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX company, received the Innovative Distributor Award. The award recognises a company that has embraced innovation through new services, improved operational models and partner enablement that have reshaped how the channel operates.

Double recognition for Avocado Consulting

Avocado Consulting collected a second award on the night, winning the IT Service Provider (ITSP) Award. The award recognises an organisation that has set a benchmark in delivering technology services, celebrating solution providers, MSPs and other technology service organisations that support long-term customer growth.

More information about the GTIA ANZ Spotlight Awards, including the nomination and selection process, can be found at gtia.org.

Last Updated on September 18, 2026 by Nick Ross