Schlagbaum to Lead Comcast, Masergy Channel Program, Glackin Out

Craig Schlagbaum is taking the reins of Comcast Business and Masergy‘s channel programs.

Comcast is working integrate its partner program with Masergy’s four months after finalizing its acquisition of the network services provider. Comcast bought Masergy to deepen its enterprise customer base, its international capabilities and its SD-WAN and SASE capabilities.

Channel executives from Comcast Business said a full reveal of the integrated program will occur in the upcoming months.

Now their channel teams are coming together under Craig Schlagbaum’s leadership. Schlagbaum has been leading indirect channels at Comcast Business since 2011. He is one of the longest tenured channel chiefs in the industry.

“Craig Schlagbaum will be leading these combined teams to provide our partners with even more opportunities by leveraging the strength of Comcast Business’ offerings with Masergy’s focus on providing next-gen solutions and white-glove service,” the company announced.

Schlagbaum expressed excitement in a statement to Channel Futures.

“With the combination of Comcast Business and Masergy, we can now provide massive scale in the security and SD-WAN space combined with best-in-class connectivity and speed bolstered by our award winning channel program,” Schlagbaum said. “Our goal is to not only be the world’s leading last-mile provider, but also the leader in global secure networks with our SD-WAN and SASE offerings. Our combined channel teams will help make it easier for our partners to do business with us and deliver on this new combined value proposition to all of their clients”.

Comcast’s Craig Schlagbaum

Comcast announced the change on LinkedIn. Many partners chimed in with messages of support.

“Wise choice. Craig has a 2-decade history of building teams that care, that perform, and that come together despite their differences,” wrote Telarus chief operating officer Patrick Oborn. “We are very excited to salute the ‘Schlag-Flag’!”

Jim Glackin, Masergy’s senior vice president of global channels, has left the company.

Jim Glackin

Glackin joined Masergy in summer 2020. Under his leadership, Masergy launched the Zenith Partner Program. The vendor increased the branding and training it provided to partners. It also upped its financial incentives around SD-WAN and SASE.

Glackin worked at Qwest/CenturyLink from 2004 to 2018. He also worked at AT&T.

JS Group CEO Janet Schijns praised Glackin’s character and career resume.

“Jim Glackin’s a king in the channel. He’s going to land somewhere, and it will be great for the partners,” she said.

Partner Perspective

PlanetOne was one of Masergy’s top partners. PlanetOne President Chris Werpy described Masergy as “an absolute channel favorite.”

“The best move for Craig and the combined Comcast/Masergy team is to stay close and true to Masergy’s winning channel strategy, which is all about relationships and results,” Werpy told Channel Futures. “Masergy is playing in a white hot, competitive and unforgiving category where everything matters. The technology portfolio and integrations are critical, as well as the enablement model which has to include the right business, sales and technical resources and go-to-market relationships.”