Avaya Channel Executives Named as Channel Chiefs by Everything Channel's CRN Magazine

Jeremy Butt and Carol Giles Neslund Recognized by Top Channel Publication for Leadership of Avaya Connect Channel Partner Program


BASKING RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwire - February 24, 2011) - Avaya, Inc., a leading global provider of business collaboration systems, software and services, today announced that Jeremy Butt and Carol Giles Neslund have been named as Channel Chiefs by Everything Channel's CRN. CRN's Channel Chiefs are leaders in creating effective channel programs for solution providers. They consistently defend, promote and execute effective channel partner programs and strategies. 

Jeremy Butt, vice president, Worldwide Channel Sales for Avaya, has nearly 20 years of experience in channel-focused programs. In his three years at Avaya, he has established and led the company's strategy and development of the Avaya Connect Channel Partner program for more than 8000 system integrators, service providers, distributors, value-added resellers and solutions providers. Over the past year, Butt has been instrumental in the integration of hundreds of new channel partners into the Avaya Connect program following a company acquisition. This is the third consecutive year that Butt has been recognized by Everything Channel's CRN as a Channel Chief.

Carol Giles Neslund, vice president, US Channel Sales for Avaya, has nearly a decade of experience working with channel organizations. Since coming to Avaya in 2008, she has been instrumental in executing the Avaya Connect channel program in North America, as well as engaging new US-based channel partners and helping them to quickly become effective in sales, marketing and technical support efforts. Neslund was also chosen by Everything Channel's CRN in 2010 for its "Women in the Channel" award, which recognizes female channel executives who demonstrate a strong influence within the technology channel. 

This year's Channel Chiefs were chosen by the CRN Editorial staff. Applicants were judged based on policy and program innovations made during the past year, the amount of revenue their company generates through partners, their willingness to speak out publicly on behalf of the channel, and the number of years they have dedicated to channel activities.

"It is a great distinction to be named a CRN Channel Chief and we are incredibly proud of both Jeremy and Carol for receiving this significant honor and for their work building stronger connections with our partner community," said Joel Hackney, senior vice president, Global Sales and Marketing and president, Field Operations, Avaya. "This recognition is a true testament to their industry knowledge, strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to building Avaya's world-class channel organization."

"The CRN Channel Chiefs list is a comprehensive listing of the leading channel executives at vendor organizations and their accomplishments," said Kelley Damore, vice president and editorial director, Everything Channel. "This prestigious list serves as a valuable must-read for solution providers looking to get to right contacts within the vendor community. We applaud this year's Channel Chiefs for their successful partner programs and strategies."

For additional information on the CRN Channel Chief list, visit www.crn.com. The Channel Chief list was published in the February 21, 2011 issue.

About Avaya
Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, data solutions, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness. For more information please visit www.avaya.com

About Everything Channel
Everything Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, Everything Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. Everything Channel is a UBM company. To learn more about Everything Channel, visit us at http://www.everythingchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/everythingchnl.

About United Business Media Limited
UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetization of B2B communities and markets. UBM's businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities -- from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists -- with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to www.ubm.com.

Contact Information:

Media Inquiries
Deb Kline
Avaya
klined@avaya.com
908-953-6179

Scott Regan
Everything Channel
Scott.Regan@ec.ubm.com
508-416-1186