Cisco Channel Executive Now to Lead Linksys Channel Operation Efforts
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 8 -Linksys(R), a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., the leading provider of VoIP, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer, SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) and small business environments, today announced that Nigel Williams has been appointed to the position of Linksys vice president of channel and service provider operations.
In his new role, Williams will lead the strategy, execution and expansion of Linksys sales and development efforts in the distribution channel and service provider markets throughout North America. He will also work closely with Linksys international theatre leads on development of global company initiatives and channel programs.
Williams' primary objectives for channel operations are to maximize growth opportunities with new products, recruit new Value Added Resellers (VARs), enhance the existing Linksys Partner Connection Program, and develop new programs focused on the integration of voice and data. As for Linksys service provider operations, Williams will work with service providers to develop indirect channel strategies and incorporate next generation home networking products into service provider offerings that will accelerate the delivery of managed services in the home.
Nigel Williams comes to Linksys from its parent company, Cisco Systems, where he served as worldwide vice president of service provider channels. Williams has played an instrumental role in negotiating and securing service provider alliance agreements with leading operators worldwide for Cisco. These alliances enabled execution of a joint indirect channel strategy to improve overall market coverage, specifically in the small-to-medium-sized- business segment, regarded by many industry analysts as the "sweet spot" of the multi-billion-dollar managed services market.
Linksys senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing and co-founder Janie Tsao said, "Nigel will be instrumental in building up a VAR base in our niche small business and networked entertainment markets as well as engaging with service providers to incorporate our line of networking, consumer premise equipment and VoIP products. His 18 years of experience in the networking market will provide us the leadership we need to engage with and support the channel and service provider market effectively."
"I am very excited to take on this new challenge. Linksys has been a leader in the small business channel with their broad line of small business solutions and strong relationships," said Nigel Williams. "I look forward to enhancing the channel program with elements that will make doing business with Linksys even easier and building its product offerings and services to incorporate the technical, training and marketing requirements demanded by today's small businesses and service providers."
Williams and his teams will report directly to Janie Tsao, Linksys senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.
About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq: CSCO) is the recognized global leader in Wireless, VoIP and Ethernet networking for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit http://www.linksys.com.
Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright (C) 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
