AppSmart, Cisco Alums Join Opex Technologies Leadership Team

Technology advisory firm Opex Technologies has added two high-profile channel leaders to its C-suite.

Randy Friedberg and Jamin Hester have joined Opex as chief strategy officer and chief revenue officer, respectively. The appointments establish them at one of the agent channel’s largest partners.

Friedberg as chief revenue officer will engage with Opex’s technology service distributor (TSD) relationships. In addition, he’ll take responsibility for relationships with providers. The announcement from Opex states that Friedberg will “develop new opportunities for Opex and its clients, by mapping KPIs and resources to improved business processes.”

Opex’s Randy Friedberg

The seven years Friedberg recently spent in the TSD space will equip him well in the new position. He served as executive vice president of CNSG, which AppDirect/AppSmart acquired in 2019. He worked as vice president of sales for managing partners at AppSmart. Friedberg also previously worked for Time Warner Cable, Green Cloud Technologies and Nuvox (which Windstream acquired).

“Opex has a strong reputation for offering the best business processes, engineering support, pricing support and data to help its clients make the best data-driven decisions when selecting technologies to support their digital journey,” Friedberg said. “I am thrilled to be joining Opex and look forward to being a part of an exceptional team focused on delivering value that results in an optimal client and partner experience.”

New CRO

Jamin Hester will spearhead the Opex managing partner sales team. That includes evaluating new markets, improving client engagement and fine-tuning the sales process.

Hester most recently worked for Cisco as a regional sales leader. Prior to Cisco, he worked at NetApp and then F5 Networks.

Opex’ Jamin Hester

Hester praised the “trusted adviser” business model Opex leverages. Avant, a TSD whose top partner lists Opex frequently occupies, popularized the phrase “trusted adviser,” which describes how agent partners can position themselves as experts for customers who source technology through them.

Opex’s Courtney Humphrey

“My passion is working with great people. I get a deal of satisfaction from helping drive success for both internal teams and clients. There’s something special that happens when technology and business strategy align, offering opportunities to build successful, trusted partnerships that are long lasting,” Hester said.

Auburn Holbrook previously was chief revenue officer.

Opex CEO Courtney Humphrey praised Hester’s sales leadership. Humphrey also lauded Friedberg’s channel knowledge and relationships with vendors, distributors and partners.

“Today is an exciting day for Opex Technologies. The addition of Randy and Jamin to our executive leadership team is an instant win for Opex and our clients. Together, these two talented leaders bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to our team, which will translate into more value for our clients and help to foster the collaborative and client-centered culture we have built.”

Background

Raleigh, North Carolina-based Opex founded in 2004. The firm led all agents in CCaaS and cybersecurity sales in Avant’s most recent partner awards. It has also landed in the Inc. 5000 multiple times.

Opex in March announced the hiring of Danny Hunt as managing partner and technology advisor.