UPDATE: Mitel denies direct plan as Kenneally departs

Vendor confirms departure of UK sales chief after management reshuffle but refutes rumours of direct sales team

Pastures new: Mitel has confirmed Enda Kenneally is "leaving to pursue other interests".

Comms vendor Mitel has confirmed the departure of UK sales director Enda Kenneally as part of a streamlining exercise but has stressed it remains committed to a channel-centric strategy.

As reported by CRN, rumours had circulated the channel suggesting Kenneally had fallen out with the vendor over plans to recruit a direct sales team. But Mitel issued CRN with a lengthy statement stressing working through the channel was "a long-term strategy which will continue to be applied. "

"Across the UK and EMEA, Mitel will continue to operate a channel-centric model in all markets, whilst continuing to organically develop its go-to-market strategy to reflect specific country market and sector dynamics, as well as strategic partnership developments and new technology deployment models," said the statement.

The vendor claimed the economic downturn has hit short-term growth prospects but signs of stability and recovery were starting to appear.

The statement added: "In light of this, Mitel is taking a realistic view of future growth potential and is taking prudent action to streamline its organisation to effectively manage the longer term market opportunities."

The company revealed it has reviewed it has UK operations and "is taking action to streamline its top level management structure".

As part of this, long-serving sales director Kenneally is "leaving to pursue other interests". Mitel lauded her achievements in pioneering the vendor's channel model, including its policy of supplying resellers directly.

"Enda's leadership, passion and experience in developing a channel-centric business model have been invaluable in driving Mitel towards its current position as a UK market leader in IP communications," said the statement. "The Mitel team wishes Enda every success with her future career."

Mitel's EMEA managing director Graham Bevington will now take a more direct role in the UK, having been more focused on mainland Europe over the last few years.

Two of Mitel's UK sales team – Robert Hutton and Marcus Jewell – are to take charge of its SME and Enterprise operations respectively. They will report directly to Bevington.

Mitel said: "This recognises the capabilities and contribution of Robert and Marcus and the importance of both market segments to Mitel’s long term UK strategy."

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