New channel boss for ShoreTel as vendor accelerates growth

ShoreTel has promoted Ben Swanson to the role of Asia Pacific channels and marketing director.

Swanson, who was has been with ShoreTel since 2010, most recently as head of channel and distribution for Asia and Africa, is charged with aligning the unified communications vendor's APAC marketing strategy with channel initiatives 'to support the company's acceleration phase of growth'.

ShoreTel says Swanson will lead the APAC marketing team to focus ShoreTel's activities on campaigns that help partners and distributors generate pipeline.

The company says it will be investing in additional marketing resources across the region to help build channel pipeline.

The role will also see the 'strategic' recruitment and expansion of distributors and partners across Asia Pacific.

Frederic Gillant, ShoreTel vice president, Asia Pacific, says Swanson has worked in the business for more than five years across a range of sales, channel and distribution roles.

"Ben has an in-depth knowledge of ShoreTel and understands the APAC growth strategy," Gilliant, who Swanson will report to, says.

"He is the right candidate to lead ShoreTel's APAC marketing strategy to ensure a focused investment in growing our channel and generating sales opportunities.

Swanson joined ShoreTel in 2010 as ANZ partner development specialist. Prior to that he had been ANZ regional channel manager for Avaya.

ShoreTel says Swanson has been responsible for geographic expansion into Asia Pacific, with the strategic recruitment of distributors and partners for ShoreTel. He is also credited with migrating direct channels to a distribution model to streamline ShoreTel's business operations.