Cisco APAC channel boss defects to F5 Networks

19.01.2015
F5 Networks has appointed former Cisco APAC channel boss, Pankaj Narayan, to lead its regional channel strategy following a clean out of A/NZ executives.

The appointment of Narayan as regional vice-president for channel sales and alliances follows the December departure of A/NZ managing director, Tony Bill and channel sales manager, Tanya Lord.

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F5 Networks head of communications, Jezmynn Koh, told ARN, Narayan would be leading channel strategy and execution, and technology alliance strategy throughout Asia-Pacific.

"Pankaj comes to F5 from Cisco most recently, where he was the Director of Architecture for APJC Partner organisation."

F5 Networks' SVP/GM for APAC, Emmanuel Bonassie, said no new appointments had been made with regard to replacements for Bill and Lord.

"By way of a broader update about our business both in A/NZ and globally, we are responding to key market trends which are dovetailing into F5 core strengths," he said.

"Our recent launch of F5 Silverline, a Cloud-based service delivery platform, which was in fact announced this week, represents a significant transformation for F5 over the past 10 years; growing from a Load Balancer Product Vendor, to today's Application Delivery Technology Market Leader."

He said it was exciting times for F5 in Australia where security and Cloud were key pillars.

"There is a lot of excitement in the industry about the latest developments from F5, with many analysts giving us particularly high ratings following the introduction of a Cloud-based delivery platform, which will enable us to fulfill our overall business strategy of delivering a truly hybrid approach to meet the demands of today's interconnected, highly mobile and app-centric era. For this, I'm truly confident with our team in Australia and Asia-Pacific."

Bonassie said he expected the Sliverline product to offer a lot of opportunity for partners considering the constant proliferation of applications and continued migration of apps to the Cloud, as well as increased mobility and shift in consumer expectations.

"We are looking forward to enjoying continued success in the Australian market, not only by continuing to build and invest in our local team, but also by supporting our local partners and customers as well," he said.

(www.arnnet.com.au)

Brian Karlovsky