NEW YORK, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NRI, a leading business and technology solutions consultancy, is proud to share that CRN^®, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized NRI as a finalist in the first-ever CRN Best of the Channel Awards in four categories: Best Channel Visionary of the Year, Best Channel Achiever of the Year, Best AI Solution Provider of the Year, and Best Solution Provider Team of the Year.

As a finalist, NRI is being spotlighted for their dedication to channel innovation and excellence.

Best Channel Visionary of the Year: Nathan Trail

This award celebrates a trailblazing executive with a fresh business perspective who has shown outstanding capacity to instigate channel evolution for their company and/or the channel at large over the last 12 months.

Nathan Trail, Chief Revenue Officer at NRI, is a seasoned and successful IT executive with over 20 years of global experience in high growth companies. Based in Atlanta, Nathan leads sales, marketing, alliances, and revenue operations at NRI. Over the past several years he has also founded and grown global strategic sales organizations for multi-billion-dollar tech companies, such as DXC Technology, NTT and IBM, including six years spent in Singapore building out the Asia Pacific business segment.  

Best Channel Achiever of the Year: Matthew Rice

This award honors an individual for exceptional performance, significant contributions, and notable accomplishments throughout the past 12 months that were instrumental to the success of their channel-focused organization.

Matthew Rice, Master Agent Program Director at NRI, is a trailblazer in channel sales and IT consulting, pioneering strategic partnerships, cloud adoption, and revenue acceleration. Based in Sherman Oaks, CA, he has architected an industry-leading channel strategy—unlocking new revenue streams and expanding Microsoft's footprint across diverse industries and geographies. With over 15 years of IT consulting experience, Matt has revolutionized how businesses engage with Microsoft 365, Azure, and security solutions.

Best AI Solution Provider of the Year

This award recognizes an MSP, VAR, systems integrator, consultant, or other solution provider business for overall excellence and technical acumen in delivering AI-focused solutions to end customers over the last 12 months.

Recognizing the potential of generative AI and automation to redefine enterprise performance, NRI has greatly expanded its AI consulting services. Our AI practice helps organizations architect AI-driven management reform strategies, creating tailored AI transformation roadmaps that integrate seamlessly with client business goals. These engagements include the development of AI-literate personnel, the creation of responsible AI governance frameworks, and the implementation of organizational models for scalable AI deployment.

Best Solution Provider Team of the Year

This award spotlights a group of company executives at an MSP, VAR, systems integrator, consultant, or other type of solution provider for over excellence in business leadership.

NRI partners with visionary companies to craft custom technology and consulting solutions that fuel growth, drive innovation, and secure lasting success. With executive team leadership, NRI has firmly established itself over the past year as a forward-thinking leader in digital transformation. The company has particularly excelled within the financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors, where clients face increasingly complex operational challenges and data landscapes.

This is the first annual CRN Best of the Channel Awards honoring individual leaders, teams, and companies setting an example with their visionary strategies and outstanding contributions to channel success. Winners will be announced at the Best of the Channel Awards Gala in Atlanta on October 14, immediately following The Channel Company's XChange Best of Breed Conference.

"We are excited to spotlight the finalists of the first-ever CRN Best of the Channel Awards, representing the channel's guiding lights for innovation, partnership, and impact," said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor of CRN, The Channel Company. "These leaders, teams, and companies represent the best of what's possible—from future-focused strategies and bold leadership to a deep commitment to channel-driven success. We are proud to highlight how their achievements and dedication drive the channel forward."

The full list of CRN Best of the Channel Award finalists can be viewed online at crn.com/best-of-the-channel-awards.

About NRI 

In North America, NRI is a business and technology solutions consultancy. Guiding our clients from insight to execution, we design and deliver solutions that fuel growth, grow profitability, and deliver innovation with impact. NRI has more than 16,000 employees in 16 countries and regions including New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. NRI reports annual sales above US $4.8 billion and is rated "A" by S&P Global Ratings Japan. Learn more at www.nri-na.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

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