Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 09 | Page 54

INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS Ali Amer to lead Cisco’s MEA Global Service Provider business Redline appoints channel specialist to oversee expansion in MEA Redline Communications Group Inc, a leading provider of wide-area wireless networks for the most challenging applications and locations, has appointed Guruprasad Padmanabhan to lead its sales and channel partner operations for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Based in Dubai, UAE, Guruprasad (‘Guru’) Padmanabhan is responsible for recruiting new channel partners in Redline’s targeted vertical markets and overseeing sales, professional services and logistics support to these partners. “The Middle East and Africa are important markets for Redline,” says Rob Williams, Redline CEO. “We see a growing demand for wireless broadband systems in both commercial and industrial applications throughout the Middle East and Africa. We believe that Redline’s investment in people and resources in developing and supporting markets in key Middle Eastern and African countries will yield a solid payoff. Guru brings over 25 years of experience doing business in the region, having worked for leading technology companies such as IBM, Amazon, Etisalat and Tech Data.” Redline is a leading supplier of mission critical communications for MEA Oil and Gas and Mining operations. In addition, Redline supports new wireless broadband applications among Telecom Service Providers, and in Smart Cities and Internet of Things (IoT) projects. Redline is expanding its channel presence across the MEA region and exploring new partnerships to tap into new market segments in the region. 54 Cisco has announced that Ali Amer has been appointed Managing Director for Global Service Provider Sales in the Middle East and Africa at Cisco. In his new role, Ali will be responsible for helping telecommunications service providers transform their networks, businesses and customer experiences to capture the opportunities created by the digital era. In addition to driving the segment’s sales strategy and growth across the Middle East and Africa, he will also focus on streamlining business operations, including sales and channel strategy, business development and customer support. Amer will report to Peter Karlstromer, Senior Vice President for Global Service Provider Sales, Cisco EMEAR. He will work closely with regional mobile operators to develop their digital transformation roadmaps as they evolve their business and revenue models to meet the growing demand for data services and financial and commercial services. “It gives me great pleasure to announce Ali as the new leader for our Service Provider business in the Middle East and Africa,” said Karlstromer. “Ali is a highly regarded leader known for his close working relationships and deep understanding of the telecoms industry landscape. His expertise and ability to build high-performance teams will undoubtedly accelerate our momentum in delivering the digital ecosystem and network infrastructure that our customers need to capture rising opportunities.” Amer joined Cisco in 2013, most recently serving as Managing Director for Cisco’s Service Provider segment in the Middle East and Turkey. He brings to the role over 25 years of industry experience and was previously the Senior Telecom and IT Consultant in the same unit, advising multinationals and start-ups on market entrance and go-to-market strategies in the region. Prior to Cisco, Amer spent 15 years at Motorola Networks, rising to the position of Vice President and General Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, where he ran an organisation of 2,500 employees and business professionals with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. “I am excited to take on this expanded role within our Service Provider business as Cisco continues to push the envelope with solutions, technologies and a vision that drives exponential value and success for our customers and partners,” said Ali Amer, Managing Director, Global Service Provider Sales, Cisco Middle East and Africa. “With its significant growth potential, a rapidly expanding population and increasing smartphone penetration, the telecommunications market in the Middle East and Africa is at an important junction. Cisco’s technology capabilities and strong partnerships will play a pivotal role in enabling SPs to become truly intelligent network operators that are able to unlock opportunities, enhance business agility, and drive service innovation and customer- experience enhancement.” Issue 09 INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS