Recognition arrives as Justin steps into the role of U.S. President of CBTS after a decade solving clients’ biggest technology challenges.
Ten years in, Justin Rice has spent his CBTS career on the problems clients can't afford to get wrong. Migrations with no margin for error, security challenges that don't fit in a standard playbook, and AI initiatives that need someone who can build the technology infrastructure that Fortune 500 companies rely on.
This week, CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, named him a 2026 Next-Gen Solution Provider Leader. The recognition arrives the same time Justin stepped into the role of U.S. President of CBTS, a promotion built on ten years of client-facing impact across product, technology, AI services, and channel strategy.
Building one of the top technology services companies in North America
In his prior role as Chief Product and Technology Officer, Justin led the development of several capabilities central to how CBTS serves its clients. Among them is Forge AI, the integrated AI advisory, data readiness, and engineering offering that established CBTS as one of the few solution providers in the channel capable of supporting the full AI journey from strategy through production support.
Under his technical leadership, CBTS now ranks among the top 1% of B2B service providers in North America, serves more than 3,000 clients, meets 100% of its SLAs, and holds top partner status across leading technology companies including AWS, Cisco, HPE, and Microsoft. CBTS client tenure averages 15 years, showcasing its elite client satisfaction.
Justin represents the kind of leader who turns technical complexity into clear business outcomes for our customers. As CPTO, he built practical AI and channel frameworks that strengthened how CBTS serves clients and partners. His promotion to U.S. President reflects the impact he has already had across the business and the confidence we have in his ability to guide the next phase of growth.
About the CRN Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders
The annual Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders list honors rising-star executives, managers and directors who are 40 years of age or younger and already demonstrate strong leadership capabilities in their roles with solution provider organizations, including technology integrators, VARs, MSPs, MSSPs and IT consultants.
“The leaders recognized in CRN’s 2026 Next-Gen Solution Provider list have distinguished themselves as ambitious innovators early in their IT channel careers,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content, Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. “Their creativity and impact are already elevating their organizations and the broader channel. We look forward to watching them continue to influence and strengthen the industry in the years ahead.”
What's ahead
Justin steps into the U.S. President role with the same lens he's brought to every CBTS client engagement. This leadership philosophy centers on focus, solving the actual problem in front of the business, delivering something that holds for the long term, and staying accountable long after the project ships. What CBTS clients have seen in Justin for ten years doesn't change with the new title. The mandate is just bigger.
Congratulations to Justin, and to every leader recognized on this year's CRN list.
Read the full 2026 CRN Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders list at crn.com/nextgen.