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

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Avaya, Inc., a leading global provider of business collaboration systems, software and services,  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.”