In a recent restructuring of its worldwide channel program Irvine, Calif.-based Linksys has eliminated the position of worldwide channel chief, with more responsibility being pushed-out to the regional team leaders.
In published reports, Linksys executives said former vice-president of worldwide channel operations, Nigel Williams, is seeking a new position with parent-company Cisco Systems.
Linksys declined to comment, indicating the vendor would no longer be commenting on the channel program restructuring and no executives would be available for interviews.
A statement provided to CDN by Linksys does not mention Williams, his status, or any future role he might or might not have with Cisco.
“We are focused on providing world-class service and support to our partner community, and that by decentralizing management our partners can reap increased benefits through support that is tailored to their local markets,” said the statement.
“We are also excited that best-practices achieved with this model will be shared throughout the country regions and examined locally for implementation.”
Channel sales will now report into Bob Gregerson, the vice-president of retail and Canada sales, while channel marketing will report into Marna Bullard, vice-president of worldwide marketing.
In Canada, a Linksys spokesperson confirmed it will be business as usual for the Canadian channel operation. Its head, Bob Martin will continue as channel manager for Linksys Canada, reporting into Gregerson.
Examining the changes, it seems that Linksys is trying to remove a management layer and let each region run its own channel program says Michelle Warren, a senior analyst with London, Ont.-based Info-Tech Research Group.
“Each region is running their own program, so now they can continue to do that and report into (an executive) who is not paid a big salary to be a worldwide channel manager,” said Warren.