Verizon Names Channel Chief, Consolidates Partner Program

Verizon announced new channel chief in a historic revamping of its partner program.

Wendy Taccetta now serves as Verizon Business Group’s senior vice president of global commercial operations and channel chief. She was SVP of global commercial operations before the promotion.

Verizon’s Wendy Taccetta

In the meantime, Verizon announced that it has centralized its partner program. All of the company’s channel enablement and operations staff have merged into a single organization. The various “support, governance and controls” reside in one place now.

“Our mission is clear: to enable improved partner experiences, expand our sales distribution and revenue opportunities through new partnerships and drive incremental solutions to our direct sales customers,” Taccetta said a statement.

The centralization brings together wireless and wireline. Verizon two years ago announced that it was restructuring into business, consumer and media-focused units. The change broke up the Verizon Wireless unit into the respective business and consumer organizations.

New Leadership

Tom Zimmerman joins Taccetta in earning a promotion. Zimmerman will oversee day-to-day channel operations as vice president of channel enablement, strategy and operations. He has worked in the Verizon organization for more than 25 years, having started his career at Alltell, which Verizon acquired.

Verizon’s Tom Zimmerman

“His day-to-day leadership of the team will be crucial as we invest in channel technology and next gen tools to simplify collaboration with our partners, drive transformation and maximize joint revenue growth for our businesses,” Taccetta said.

Taccetta has spent 20 years at Verizon, advancing all the way from a temp position. She has also served as Verizon’s North Central market president.

Verizon Business Group CEO Tami Erwin praised Taccetta.

“Our channel enablement business is an integral growth lever for Verizon Business. Wendy’s consistent track record of results for over a decade makes her the ideal person to lead this team and I’m confident she will transform our channel organization and deliver a world-class partner experience,” Erwin said.