Author: Oxfordadmin@878

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) partnering automation provider Relayware named John Benecke its new chief financial officer, where he will be responsible for overseeing the company’s finance, accounting and operations functions. As CFO, Benecke will also lead Relayware’s strategic business planning, M&A activities, IP protection and organizational performance.

During his career in the IT industry, Benecke has garnered nearly two decades of financial experience, including a 10-year period where he worked for several high-growth, VC-backed businesses in the medical technology sector and other areas, according to Relayware. Benecke has previously served as CFO for several other IT companies including Business Logic Systems, Cellnovo and ApaTech.

“John’s solid financial leadership background will enable us to accelerate the planning and execution of our business strategies, so we can achieve both our short- and long-term goals with confidence,” said Mike Morgan, Relayware chief executive officer in a statement. “Not only is John joining Relayware at a pivotal point in our company history, but also at a time when many savvy businesses have recognized the untapped growth potential within their channel ecosystem.”

Relayware may not be a recognizable name, but chances are you’ve used the company’s technology if you’ve ever been a member of a channel partner program. The company specializes in partner-centric applications, including partner portals, training, sales and marketing tools. The company promises “greater partner engagement, productivity and return on indirect channel investment.”

Relayware hopes Benecke will use his experience in the financial world to help accelerate the company’s market position within the industry and increase its market share among SaaS customers.

“Its not too often that you find a company that is so well poised to capitalize on a hot, growing market trend, and also has an enviable roster of many satisfied customers that have leveraged its technology for years,” said Benecke. “As a finance professional, the value Relayware delivers to its customers through its partnering automation platform is undeniable. I am excited to build on this business foundation with new growth strategies and stronger operational discipline.”

Technology integrator Carousel Industries has expanded its U.S. sales reach south and west and hired four new executives to push the company’s unified communications and collaboration platform solutions and services to midmarket and enterprise customers.

Chief among the appointments is Rhonda Wingate, Carousel’s new Collaboration president, who will oversee the company’s collaboration practice, including its Microsoft (MSFT) unified communications (UC) business, and develop strategic sales and marketing plans and programs. Wingate is a 20-year video, digital media and managed services veteran with prior stints at AVI-SPL and BT Conferencing. She will report directly to James Marsh, Carousel senior vice president.

Carousel’s other three new executives fill key sales slots. Carousel said it wants to expands its reach into midmarket accounts in other regions of the U.S. beyond its efforts in New England, near its Exeter, Rhode Island, headquarters.

Kelly Lichtenberger, previously LifeSize Communications inside sales director, has been named inside sales vice president, tasked with growing the company’s inside sales team across all of its business units and geographic regions. Lichtenberger will report directly to Marsh.

In addition, Carousel has named Frank Douglas to head its sales team in the southern United States and Cindy Morgan to lead the company’s sales efforts in Northern California. Douglas, a 20-year industry veteran, previously served in a lead sales role at TW Telecom Georgia. His official title is Midmarket sales director.

Morgan has 19 years of experience in the technology industry, with prior positions at MCI, Qwest, Avaya, ATC Logistics, NACR and TSE Communications.

“We are entering an exciting new phase of growth at Carousel and are excited to welcome Rhonda, Kelly, Cindy and Frank as part of our team,” said Marsh. “As unified communications platforms now play an integral role in corporate infrastructures and have changed the way enterprises interact and conduct business, we want to ensure our customers have access to the most advanced collaboration solutions to effectively leverage these technologies.”

Absolute Software (ABT) welcomed former EMC executive Geoff Haydon as its new CEO last week, as the endpoint security company looks to stabilize its current leadership. Haydon, who also was named to the company’s Board of Directors, will be responsible for leading the company’s global business efforts.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Geoff’s caliber join to lead Absolute,” said Daniel P. Ryan, chairman of Absolute, in a prepared statement. “With his background in enterprise security software and his proven track record of growth and experience in both North American and global markets, he is the right person to take Absolute to the next level in terms of revenue growth, global reach and increased profitability.”

Haydon has more than 20 years of experience in the IT sector, including a longstanding history with EMC. Prior to his new appointment at Absolute, Haydon was chief operating officer for EMC’s Asia-Pacific and Japan region, where he led the company’s business unit. Haydon has also served in various leadership positions at RSA, a division of EMC, including vice president of Americas Sales and as the leader of the RSA business for Asia Pacific and Japan, according to the press release. He is expected to join Absolute July 7, and will be stationed at the company’s corporate head office in Vancouver.

In light of Haydon’s appointment, Absolute COO Rob Chase announced he will be stepping down from his current position as of June 18 to pursue other interests. Chase will remain involved with Absolute in a limited role as a strategic adviser for the foreseeable future. Interim CEO Errol Olsen will continue in his role as chief financial officer at Absolute once Haydon takes up the mantle next month.

“I am tremendously excited about the opportunity to join the team at Absolute and to build on the company’s past success,” said Haydon. “Absolute has a unique solution portfolio that addresses the key security and management challenges that organizations are facing with the rise of mobility. With a broad product portfolio, diverse customer base and strong financial foundation, Absolute is extremely well-positioned to take advantage of this multi-billion market opportunity.”