Key Channel Leaders Out in Aftermath of 8x8 Layoffs

Channel Futures has confirmed that several leaders within the 8×8 channel organization are no longer with the company. It’s part of a six-month company-wide reduction in headcount. Channel Futures first reported the cuts on Wednesday.

8×8’s Lisa Del Real

For one, Tina Smith is no longer 8×8’s vice president, channel and field marketing, North America. However, Lisa Del Real still holds her position as the company’s global vice president, channel sales.

Several employees took to LinkedIn to explain the extent of the layoffs.

That includes Ryan Bruns, who was a channel account manager at 8×8 for eight months. She wrote that “all good things must come to an end, and today ends my journey with 8×8, along with so many other talented channel account managers, distribution account managers, channel leaders and partner enablement managers.”

Skilled Channel Leaders Across the U.S.

Michael Cibelli

Michael Cibelli, previously vice president, channels, North America at 8×8, also wrote on LinkedIn. He said that he and many of his colleagues were part of the layoffs.

“Forget about me for a moment,” he wrote. “If you are looking for channel-focused individuals that are highly skilled in all aspects of channel, please contact me. I can direct you to where they are all over the country. Locations include the Northeast, Midwest, South Central, Rockies, West, etc. These associates are performers that were simply caught up in a workforce reduction. Do your company a favor and consider some of the best in the industry.”

8×8 did not return our request for comment regarding the cuts occurring within the company’s channel division. Channel Futures could not confirm the total number of channel employees impacted. 8×8 is cutting its workforce by 7%, or approximately 155 employees, this year, as Channel Futures first reported.

The layoffs might be in part due to 8×8’s preparation for possible acquisition by RingCentral, which has been speculated for months. According to an SEC filing, 8×8’s CEO attributed the cuts to a need to “align with emerging marketplace opportunities.”