You have to wonder what’s the real story behind Cisco Systems Inc.’s recent decision to eliminate the role of Linksys vice-president of worldwide channel organization, which left Nigel Williams looking to find a place for himself elsewhere within the company.
It was curious that the company decided not to talk to the CDN or other media about this decision. There were important questions that needed answers such as whether Bob Martin, the Canadian channel chief for Linksys, would be retained or if any of the Linksys restructuring will filter up to Canada.
Instead we were left guessing. We did receive this statement from 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. We are also excited that best-practices achieved with this model will be shared throughout the country regions and examined locally for implementation.”
The statement clarified little and instead led to more questions. For example, if Cisco/Linksys is truly “excited that best practices achieved with this model will be shared throughout the country regions,” then does it suggest that Bob Martin or Cisco Canada’s channel chief Ross Pellizzari may soon be out of jobs?
Cisco/Linksys executives were not available to speak on the matter. It would have clarified things and provide answers.
Fortunately nothing has happened to Martin so far, and that is good since he has been extremely effective at promoting Linksys throughout the channel. Martin was named a CDN Top 25 Newsmaker last year for his efforts.
We’re told there will be a new reporting structure for the Linksys channel operation and all channel sales executives such as Martin will now report into Bob Gregerson, the vice-president of retail and Canada sales. I have to wonder whether there is something more to this restructuring announcement since retail is the largest go-to-market channel route for Linksys. If the restructuring announcement really is a matter of simply improving operational efficiencies then why all the secrecy and silence?