Plantronics (NYSE: PLT)
today announced that Erna Arnesen has joined the company as vice
president of Global Channel and Partner Marketing. She is responsible
for developing the company’s global channel and strategic alliance
marketing strategies.
“Our partners are very strategic to Plantronics, so it is important that
we develop programs that can help them be even more successful,” said
Marilyn Mersereau, chief marketing officer, Plantronics. “Erna brings
such tremendous experience with channel and alliance partners in both
the hardware and software industries. She will help us build a global
program to unify and accelerate our channel efforts.”
Within this role, Arnesen will focus on creating tools and programs to
help the extended Plantronics sales team execute effectively in markets
around the world. She will work with both channel and alliance partners
on developing customized marketing programs. In addition, she will
develop programs for new channels such as in health care and with cloud
service providers.
“I am very excited about joining Plantronics and building on the
well-established foundation the company has with our partners,” said
Arnesen. “The ecosystem we build with our channel and alliance partners
is going to be critical as the company expands its footprint in
enterprise and SMB environments through broader deployment of unified
communication solutions.”
Arnesen joins the company with significant experience in translating
business and product strategies into revenue-generating programs for
channel partners around the world. She previously worked at Cisco, most
recently as vice president of Global & Strategic Partners for Cisco
Services. In this role, she and her team developed and executed the
worldwide global and strategic services partnering strategy, managed key
strategic partner relationships, and worked with the Worldwide Partner
organization to develop and execute strategic partner and alliance
programs within a services-led and solutions-driven environment. She
also led the WW Global Services Channels organization during her time at
Cisco, including services channel strategy and go-to-market, channel
programs, distribution, marketing and partner enablement. During her
tenure, the Cisco Services Partner Program (CSPP) was developed,
integrating channel programs and initiatives into a globally consistent
program.
Previously, Arnesen led the Global SMB, Partner, and Industry Solutions
Marketing team at Symantec, where she was responsible for messaging,
campaigns, and programs for the SMB segment as well as for global
development teams covering key vertical industries. She also served as
vice president, Global Channel and Partner Marketing, responsible for
creating and building the channel and alliance marketing organization,
strategy and programs globally for Symantec, during and after the
acquisition of Veritas.
Prior to joining Symantec, Arnesen had more than 20 years’ experience in
channel sales, marketing, and alliance management with such companies as
Fujitsu Softek, Saba Software, CyberSource and SGI. She also led channel
teams, defined and built channel strategies and programs at NeXT and at
Apple Computer. She began her career as a value-added reseller selling
vertical applications on DEC platforms.
Arnesen was honored with the 2011 Women of Influence Award by the
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal. She has also received the
YWCA Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) award, and is a graduate of
Leadership California. In addition, she was named a 2012 Woman Who Made
her Mark by Watermark. Arnesen has a master’s degree in business
administration from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree from
Wellesley College.
A very active contributor to the industry, Arnesen is the board chair of
Watermark, a Bay-area organization for women executives and
entrepreneurs. She has also served on the global board of the
Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) and on the board
of Women in Consulting (WIC).
About Plantronics: Simply Smarter Communications®
Plantronics is a global leader in audio communications for businesses
and consumers. We have pioneered new trends in audio technology for 50
years, creating innovative products that allow people to simply
communicate. From unified communication solutions to Bluetooth®
headsets, we deliver uncompromising quality, an ideal experience, and
extraordinary service. Plantronics is used by every company in the
Fortune 100™, as well as 911 dispatch, air traffic control and the New
York Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com
or call (800) 544-4660.
