By Khali Henderson

Qwest Communications International Inc. is changing the leadership of the Qwest Business Partner Program, as part of structural changes to the carrier’s alternate channels group, according to a memo the company shared with QBPP members Aug. 19. A Qwest spokesperson confirmed the changes Monday.

The memo, from Teresa Taylor, executive vice president of the Business Markets Group, said the alternate channels group would be split into two groups, each with its own vice president reporting directly to Taylor.

“It’s part of our broader focus to get closer to the customer at the executive level,” the spokesperson said.

Blake Wetzel was named vice president of sales for QBPP, with sole focus on the partner program. Wetzel previously served as BMG’s CFO and, most recently, as director for BMG sales support where he had responsibility for sales operations, including the partner program.

In addition, the memo said two QBPP leaders – Tom McGrath, senior vice president of alternate channel sales; and Sandy Spencer, regional vice president of sales for QBPP – are leaving Qwest.

The other alternate channel segments – product-specific overlay channels, Systems Integrator Alliance, hosting/contact center, sales support and professional services organizations – previously overseen by McGrath, will now report to Rodney Miller, vice president of BMG operations. Miller, in turn, reports to Taylor.