ShoreTel EMEA boss Howard heads for exit doors

Tom Perry handed reins on interim basis as comms vendor hunts for successor

ShoreTel has confirmed that EMEA boss John Howard is to depart the comms vendor at the end of the month after two years in the hotseat.

Howard joined ShoreTel from rival Avaya in September 2009 in the post of EMEA managing director, replacing Mark Swendsen.

In a statement sent to ChannelWeb, ShoreTel confirmed that EMEA marketing head Tom Perry will take the reins on an interim basis as it conducts an "extensive search" for a permanent successor.

"John Howard will be departing ShoreTel at the end of September," the statement read.

"Throughout his tenure, a great team has been assembled as ShoreTel build
the foundation for the future. ShoreTel wish Mr Howard all the best in his new endeavours."

Grahame Smee, managing director of ShoreTel distributor Cohort Technology, said: "ShoreTel is growing at a fantastic rate in the UK. It has a growing and evolving team and changes are inevitable."

News of Howard's departure comes nine months after ShoreTel appointed a new chief executive in the form of ex Unisys and Compaq man Peter Blackmore.