Channel Insider: Partner POV

New CEO of Zones on AI, Growth, and Channel Vision

Episode Summary

In this episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, host Katie Bavoso sits down with Yehia Omar, the new CEO of Zones, to discuss how the global IT solutions provider is leading through the era of AI.

Episode Notes

Omar shares insights on Zones’ 35 year evolution, how its using AI internally, its “Consider It Done” philosophy, strategic partnerships, and what’s next for customers, partners, and sustainability efforts. Plus, Omar shares how his experience as a board member of Zones prepared him to take on the CEO role. 
 

Topics & Timecodes:

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Zones’ new CEO, Yehia Omar 

02:13 – What defines Zones in today’s channel ecosystem 

05:39 – How board experience prepared Omar for the CEO role 

08:16 – Zones’ 2025–2026 vision: cloud, AI, and managed services 

12:08 – How Zones uses AI internally for efficiency and innovation 

14:39 – Building partnerships across 3,000 technology vendors 

20:41 – Zones’ “Consider It Done” service philosophy 

22:09 – Navigating economic challenges and tariffs 

26:11 – Zones’ biggest growth opportunities: cloud, AI & security 

27:38 – Sustainability and joining the UN Global Compact 

29:01 – Real-world success stories in healthcare & retail 

33:06 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Zones