Verizon Channel Chief Tackles Partner Feedback, Direct-Indirect Sales Balance

The new Verizon channel chief is reassuring partners about the company’s commitment to indirect sales.

Verizon’s Wendy Taccetta

Wendy Taccetta joined Verizon in December as its channel chief. Taccetta, who also leads Verizon’s small business efforts, has overseen the centralization of the company’s partner program. The realignment matched Verizon’s restructuring away from technology-focused business units like Verizon Wireless, to customer-focused units.

Taccetta recently shed light on the Verizon approach to indirect sales channel. She said the company sees strong opportunities for direct and indirect sales to “interlock” with each other.

“The Verizon sales team and the partner can go and win. And we shouldn’t be in a place where the partner feels like they’re in conflict. They shouldn’t feel as if we are fighting against them; they should feel like they’re at the table as a partner,” Taccetta told Channel Futures.

Taccetta also pointed to opportunities Verizon sees around selling 5G business internet.

You can read Taccetta’s full Q&A with Channel Futures in the slideshow above. We have edited the transcript for length and clarity.