SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.
Plantronics and Simply Smarter Communications are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
