Movers & Shakers – July 2013

This month we bring you news of changes at Aspect, new appointments at Rostrvm, Jabra, Plantronics, IT Sonix, Webhelp TSC and Eclipse Marketing.

Aspect Software in deal to acquire Voxeo announces appointment of Tom Shepherd

Aspect have  entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Voxeo Corporation, a provider of hosted and on-premise Interactive Voice Response (IVR) solutions and platform provider for Communications Enabled Business Processes.

Once complete, the acquisition is expected to help support cloud, hybrid and premise-based deployments while adding IVR and multi-channel self-service capability to the company’s solution portfolio.

“The acquisition of Voxeo, the market leader in robust cloud, on-premise and hybrid self-service platforms, furthers Aspect’s continued commitment to provide innovative technology and solutions that support our customers’ efforts to transform and deliver remarkable customer experiences,” says Chris Koziol, president and general manager of the Interaction Management division at Aspect.

…also announces appointment of Tom Shepherd

Tom Shepherd has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President, Worldwide Channel and Alliance Sales. Shepherd will be responsible for leading the continued expansion of Aspect’s global channel presence including programme development and evolution as well as the channel partner recruitment.

“Growing our global channel ecosystem is a vital component to our solution delivery and Tom will be instrumental in leading the assessment and development of our existing partner network, and the business that flows through it, in order to create a solid and thriving foundation for growth,” said Bryan Sheppeck, Senior Vice President Worldwide Sales, Aspect.

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Lee Ward joins Rostrvm Solutions

Lee Ward has joined Rostrvm Solutions as a Business Development Manager. Lee has been involved in the contact centre industry for 20 years.

“I’m looking forward to being part of Rostrvm and working with our customers; it’s a great time for innovation and that’s what Rostrvm is all about. Some of Rostrvm’s customers are resellers and we’re now also working with them to introduce contact centre software into new areas, so it’s a very exciting time,” he concluded.

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Andrew Doyle takes on role of Senior Director, Jabra Channel Management in EMEA

Jabra announced that its Managing Director of UK & Ireland, Andrew Doyle, is promoted to Senior Director, Channel Management in EMEA, a move by Jabra signalling an increased focus on maintaining its stronghold in the EMEA market and commitment to its partners across the region.

“Andrew will be instrumental in the further evolution of a strategy that ensures we are positioned to maintain our market leadership,” said Joel Hamon, Jabra President in EMEA.

Andrew Doyle has been with Jabra for more than six years, most recently as Managing Director of the UK organisation and a key member of the Jabra EMEA management team. Andrew Doyle leaves Jabra UK in good shape with positive growth numbers based on a strong channel model.

“My primary focus will be to develop a consistent channel engagement model in all segments, leveraging the strong partner relationships that already exist locally, facilitated by the Jabra WIN Partner Programme and develop new partner relationships in all EMEA sub regions,” said Andrew Doyle.

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Plantronics names new Head of Channel and Partner Marketing

Plantronics have announced that Erna Arnesen has joined the company as vice president of Global Channel and Partner Marketing.  She is responsible for developing the company’s global channel and strategic alliance marketing strategies.

“Erna brings such tremendous experience with channel and alliance partners in both the hardware and software industries.  She will help us build a global program to unify and accelerate our channel efforts.”  said Marilyn Mersereau, chief marketing officer, Plantronics.

Within this role, Arnesen will focus on creating tools and programs to help the extended Plantronics sales team execute effectively in markets around the world. She will work with both channel and alliance partners on developing customized marketing programs. In addition, she will develop programs for new channels such as in health care and with cloud service providers.

“I am very excited about joining Plantronics and building on the well-established foundation the company has with our partners,” said Arnesen.

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IT Sonix strengthens its team

IT Sonix has appointed Richard Winterburn as Head of Partners. Richard has over 16 years’ experience in developing telecoms partner channels. In his new role, Richard will develop strategies to grow and develop both new and existing reseller accounts.

Richard explained: “IT Sonix already has a strong partner and reseller base and, together with Robert Denbeigh, Managing Director, and Philip Moran, Sales Director, I will be bringing the IT Sonix success story to even more partners. I will ensure that both prospective and existing resellers and partners know about all the products IT Sonix offers and most importantly how best to achieve the results and revenues they need.”

Commenting on the appointment, Robert Denbeigh, Managing Director, said, “I am delighted to welcome Richard as a member of the team. This is an exciting time for our business and Richard will be a key member of the team that takes us to the next level. Richard’s experience and expertise as a channel builder and manager will give us the ability to grow and develop both new and existing accounts.”

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Webhelp TSC appoints Chris Bryson as Director of Business Intelligence & Insight

Chris will play a key role in helping the company’s clients understand their customers and the effectiveness of their business processes, whilst identifying ways of improving customer satisfaction and long term value.  As Director of Business & Insight, Chris will lead a team of more than 20 data and analytics professionals, focused on adding value for new clients and the existing portfolio of blue chip organisations.

David Turner, Chief Executive of Webhelp TSC, added: “We’re really pleased to welcome Chris as a key member of the Webhelp TSC team. He is one of the UK’s most experienced leaders in the field of business intelligence and analysis – a vital area of expertise  as we set our sights on further growth.”

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Eclipse Marketing promotes Mark Osman to Managing Director

Mark Osman, who joined Eclipse in February 2012 as Director of Commercial Operations, will continue to build on his existing work evolving the four service pillars – CRM & Database, Digital, Insight and Multi-channel Contact Centre. Mark assumes his new role with immediate effect and reports directly into David Pickering, Chairman, Eclipse.

Commenting on his new role, Mark Osman said: “I’ve had a fantastic last 16 months at Eclipse and we’ve already come on quickly as a business during that time. In my role as Managing Director I will look to build on this progress and ensure that our strong reputation in the CRM and customer services sector is upheld.”