Intelisys enters EMEA communications distribution market

Intelisys Communications has secured the services of European telecom channel veteran Stephen Hackett in a move it says “solidifies” its entry into the international market.

The move opens the door for comms distributor Intelisys to expand outside of the US to support a new community of sales partners to sell telecom, connectivity and cloud services to business customers around the globe, with dedicated international support in the UK.

Hackett has most recently served as channel sales manager for NFON, a specialist in cloud telecoms services. Additionally, he has held senior roles with Gamma Business Communications, Orange Business Services, Level 3 Communications and Telstra Europe.

Craig Schlagbaum, vice president, indirect channels for Comcast Business, an Intelisys Supplier Partner, said: “The hiring of a UK-based, seasoned professional like Stephen Hackett to expand the Intelisys community into Europe and beyond is an important step in growing this type of international programme.”

The current wholesale/resale model across Europe leaves independent sales agents in the position of having to research, approach and request commissions from individual carriers on a case-by-case basis, meaning the majority are able to partner with and sell only a very small number of carriers, said Intelisys.

Hackett (pictured) said: “The immediate challenge is also our greatest initial opportunity – gaining access to the many talented independent telecom and cloud sales agents dispersed throughout Europe. I am delighted to be supporting Intelisys in the expansion of its model into the UK and Europe.”

Dana Topping, Intelisys co-owner, said: “We owe it to those future sales partners in the UK to have a local presence that embodies the Intelisys DNA and commitment to the channel, but also clearly understands the uniqueness of that market.

“Identifying Stephen as the right person to undertake this exciting challenge was the most important first step.”

Intelisys says it is under contract with over 100 leading telecom carriers, cloud services providers and technology partners around the world.

@AntonySavvas