Top Channel Exec Departs Samsung for Avaya Channel

Avaya’s Mike Coleman

Samsung Mobility’s channel chief in North America Mike Coleman has departed to take a similar role leading the Avaya channel. The veteran HP and SAP channel executive made the move official Monday when he updated his LinkedIn job status.

Coleman, who led Samsung Mobility’s North America B2B channel for nearly four years, was not immediately available for comment. Samsung has not yet said who will replace Coleman. But Samsung has a deep bench of channel executives. In an August interview, Coleman said sales though the channel increased nearly 2x over last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the pandemic, the channel has really come through and stepped up, and has been delivering very powerful solutions to many industries,” Coleman said at the time. As a result, Coleman said that Samsung has expanded its channel team by 30% this year. “Based on the growth, Samsung is investing more in the channel,” he said.

Earlier this year, Samsung launched it new Ascend partner program, providing a common portal for its display and mobility businesses. The effort aims to provide a more unified channel for B2B partners and an opportunity to offer better bundles.

Avaya Recalibrating in NA with Coleman

Coleman takes charge of the North American Avaya channel after his predecessor, Jon Brinton, was there less than a year. Brinton, who was vice president of North America channel sales, left in September. UCaaS provider Crexendo Business Solutions last month named Brinton as its chief revenue officer. Coleman listed his title at Avaya on LinkedIn as North American channel chief.

Avaya’s business has improved over the past year, said ZK Research Principal Analyst Zeus Kerravala. Avaya has pivoted with a more aggressive focus on its cloud communications portfolio. For the period ending Sept. 30, Avaya  reported FY 2020 Q4 revenues of $755 million, up 4% year-over-year. The percentage of cloud and subscription revenue increased 3% since its third quarter, now accounting for 33% overall. Subscription contract revenues for the year were $400 million, of which $181 million was booked in Q4. “Avaya is an up-and-coming company,” Kerravala said. “They’ve turned the corner and are growing again. So for an exec, there’s a good risk-reward as far as growth goes.”

Coleman will help grow the Avaya channel business, said Kevin Gilroy, who worked with him at HP, SAP and Samsung. “Mike understands the channel extremely well,” said Gilroy, who is now leads channel consultancy Gilroy Associates. “He never disappointed and beats his numbers quarter after quarter, year after year. His new team will love his driving, inspirational approach.”