Long-time channel insider Chris Bantoft has landed a new executive role, a little more than a year after being laid off from PAETEC.

Earlier this week, MASS Communications, a New York City-based network services provider targeting businesses, said it has named Bantoft as its new president of sales and marketing. Bantoft will build MASS Communications channel partner program and oversee partner relationships.

Chris is a well-known and respected personality in the industry,” Darren Mass, president and CEO of MASS Communications, said in a prepared statement. We believe that his 25 years experience of working with agent partners, combined with his knowledge and broad agent network will be a great asset to our emerging company.”

Before joining MASS, Bantoft worked at publicly held PAETEC. He started there in 2001, working his way into the title of president of the Western region and executive vice president of alternate channels by December 2008. Thats when Bantoft became one of 222 casualties of the weak economy. Until that time, Bantoft was leading 13 vice presidents and directors, as well as 60 channel managers. His total revenue responsibility exceeded $500 million.

Prior to PAETEC, Bantoft spent 15 years in international channel programs, namely as COO for WorldxChange Communications, CEO of ACC Telecom Europe and as managing director for Alcatel Business Systems UK.

Now, though, Bantoft looks forward to new opportunities with MASS. The company, he said, has clearly demonstrated a commitment to partners and clients to provide above-and-beyond support, quality and reliability. I have every confidence that there is a market need for a company like MASS combining the latest technology solutions from multiple carriers with personalized service of the highest order, a leading agent partner support package and competitive pricing.”

MASS Communications was named a Top 50 Channel Program by Channel Partners magazine (formerly PHONE+) in 2010.