Windstream Enterprise Hires GTT, XO Vet as Head of Channel

Windstream Enterprise has hired GTT vet Rob Westervelt as its new senior vice president and head of channel.

He will be working with Brad Smith, senior vice president of strategic channels, in Windstream Enterprise’s channel organization.

Windstream Enterprise’s Rob Westervelt

Westervelt was with GTT for nearly five years and most recently was senior vice president and channel chief at GTT America. Before that, he was vice president and general manager of global solutions at NTT America.

In addition, he served in channel leadership roles with Broadview Networks and XO Communications.

Layne Levine, president of Windstream Enterprise and Wholesale, announced Westervelt’s new role on LinkedIn.

In a Q&A with Channel Futures, Westervelt talks about the challenges ahead in his new role.

Channel Futures: Why did you want to take this role as head of channel with Windstream Enterprise? What are your responsibilities in this new role?

Rob Westervelt: It’s an exciting time to be joining Windstream Enterprise, given the momentum the company has already established in the partner channel. I will be strategically leading the next evolution of the channel partner program with an emphasis on partner collaboration, innovation in SD-WAN, secure access service edge (SASE) and unified communications (UC).

CF: How will your previous experience with GTT and more come into play in this new role?

RW: I have been focused on the channel for over 25 years. So my experience across multiple companies will be helpful in this new role. During my time at GTT, my channel team led the America’s enterprise division selling SD-WAN, which will be a major focus of mine, along with UC, a solution that GTT did not have.

CF: What’s your take on Windstream Enterprise’s channel strategy and partner program? Will you be making any changes?

RW: Windstream Enterprise’s channel partner program offers best-in-class voice, network and security solutions on an impressive and efficient nationwide network that covers 170,000 fiber route-miles through an indirect sales and operations channel. My team will continue to invest in our strategic growth products and support customers in their transition away from legacy systems.

Our objective is to ensure that our customers have the best modern and innovative solutions, while partners are rewarded for their commitment and expertise. We have an integrated program where channel and direct sales work together, which is very favorable to partners.

CF: What’s at the top of your to-do list as head of channel at Windstream Enterprise?

RW: Our priority is getting the word out that Windstream Enterprise is the place for agents to come to and that we are incredibly partner-friendly. We are investing heavily in the channel, and have a channel integration strategy with direct and indirect sales. And we have one of the best compensation plans in the industry, and pay large bonuses on renewals and conversions.

CF: What are the biggest issues facing Windstream Enterprise partners? What will be your role in addressing those?

RW: We are always dedicated to understanding our offerings in an ever-evolving business environment, and how to position Windstream Enterprise with our customer bases, along with engaging our channel integration sales reps.