Trend Micro Tuesday named Cody Leser its new senior director of North America channel sales, effective immediately.

Leser is taking over for Nancy Reynolds, who left her channel leadership role in September after more than five years at Trend Micro to take over global channel operations for Palo Alto Networks.

"I joined Trend Micro because it's a leading security vendor with an impressive channel presence globally and here in North America," Leser said in a statement. "I look forward to working with Trend Micro and its partners in continuing our success to build and grow channel programs and comprehensive solutions for even greater future success."

Leser's position as Trend Micro channel chief will entail sustaining, advancing and executing the channel strategy for the company, including managing partnerships and achieving aggressive growth goals.

Leser comes to Trend Micro most recently from McAfee, where he served as director of North America distribution channels overseeing U.S. and Canadian sales, distribution and channel operations.

Prior to his position at McAfee, Leser ran his own business consulting company. He also served as the vice president of U.S. sales and operations at Novell (NSDQ:NOVL), where he was responsible for all enterprise, midsize and small-business channel sales, government and health care.

Leser, who is coming to Trend Micro with more than 15 years of experience in sales and distribution, will report directly to Darren Blank, vice president of North America sales and marketing.