Former channel boss takes the reins as ShoreTel's new ANZ head

Former ShoreTel channel boss Ben Swanson has been promoted to the top role for Australia and New Zealand, taking over as ANZ regional director.

Swanson was ShoreTel's Asia Pacific channels and marketing director for just over a year until last July, when he moved into the role of Asia and Africa regional director for sales and customer success for the vendor.

The new role sees Swanson taking overall responsibility for the communications vendor's business operations across Australia and New Zealand from 01 July.

He replaces Jamie Romanin, who was ANZ managing director from July 2010 until this March. Frederic Gillant, ShoreTel's Asia Pacific vice president has been holding the reins since Romanin's departure last month.

Gillant says Swanson has 'made a significant impact' on the development of ShoreTel's business across Asia in recent years.

"During his seven years at ShoreTel, Ben has built up a fantastic range of experience across distribution, partner management, sales and marketing roles," Gillant says.

"He is perfectly placed to drive the continued growth of our business in the ANZ region, and I was thrilled when he accepted the promotion.

Swanson's appointment comes as ShoreTel focuses on expanding its cloud services in the region.

Late last year ShoreTel reorganised its ANZ business as part of 'strategic transformation' to scale its cloud services, while also continuing its traditional onsite business.

That restructure saw the creation of four business units – channels, client sales, service design and activation and customer success – with four new ANZ management appointments as part of the change.

The changes saw Craig Howe promoted to manager of channels for Australia and New Zealand.