Telephony vendor suffers blow of losing sales boss

Telephony vendor Alcatel is to lose its sales director for the UK and Ireland, just weeks after adding to its channel management team.

Paul Ballinger will leave the vendor in September. Graeme Allan, country director for UK and Ireland at Alcatel, will increase his sales-related activities following Ballinger’s departure, the firm said.

Earlier this month, Alcatel made three appointments to bolster the support it gives to channel partners. Chris Tucker was appointed as commercial channel sales manager, Chris Derham became data channel manager, and Neal Humphrey was confirmed as territory sales manager (CRN, 14 July).

Ballinger told CRN: “I have nothing lined up. I’m working up to the end of the third quarter. Then I’m going to have some time off and relax.

“The Alcatel business is in great shape. It was my decision to leave. I’ve been at Alcatel for about 10 years and we are parting on fantastic terms.”