Aryaka Taps Windstream Alum to Lead Brokerage Channel

Cloud-based WAN provider Aryaka Networks is giving its agent partners more support through its latest hire.

Ed Pearce is a longtime Windstream Communications employee. He joined the San Mateo, Califiornia-based provider as national channel director for North America. He will report to Craig Patterson, Aryaka’s channel chief and vice president for the Americas. Patterson, who joined Aryaka from Lumen in September, said Pearce will focus on Aryaka’s relationships with technology solutions brokerages (formerly known as master agents).

“We didn’t really have anybody that was working with the TSBs to create those go-to-market strategies or quarterback the overall relationship,” Patterson told Channel Futures.

Aryaka’s Ed Pearce

Patterson said the appointment fills a significant gap in Aryaka’s go-to-market strategy; Patterson created the position two weeks into his job.

Pearce

Aryaka’s Craig Patterson

The new hire said he is joining Aryaka at a “pivotal time.” For example, he pointed to the company’s recent acquisition of the security provider Secucloud.

“They’re perfectly positioned to offer channel partners a global managed secure SD-WAN solution that any size enterprise in the world can take advantage of,” Pearce said. “I’m excited to represent Aryaka with our largest partners and their business customers. I have a long track record of success in the channel and a unique skill set to create win-win strategies for both Aryaka and our partners.”

Pearce served as vice president of channel sales for Windstream from 2010-2019 before coming to Aryaka. There, he supported hundreds of partners in Windstream’s largest territory. Previously he worked as First Communications’ vice president of sales and business development. Pearce has also worked for LDMI/Talk America and Bullseye.

Patterson called Pearce a proven channel leader.

“With Ed’s background, relationships and strategic mindset, we can implement new and exciting growth strategies with Aryaka’s trusted partners,” Patterson said.