**Editor’s Note: Click here to see which channel people were on the move in February and March.**

XO Communications confirmed Thursday that it has hired a new channel chief. Bill Hooper, a former CenturyLink sales executive, was named vice president – partner channel, for the company.

Hooper was hired in April, but XO did not issued a formal release until today after it was announced during the X4 Solutions Sales Partner Evolution Event being held this week in Chicago.

Hooper replaces Shane McNamara, who led the channel since June 2011. McNamara is now senior vice president of business services for Qology Direct, a performance-based marketing company. McNamara could not be reached for comment.

“Bill’s background and proven performance leading sales organizations, as well as strong, long-term ties to the partner community, will be critical to driving the strategy and vision of our channel business,” said Mindy Powers, XO Senior Vice President, Enterprise Solutions. “XO is committed to significant growth for our partner channel, and to working with our partners to attain the level of success we know is possible. Bill is just the leader to drive that success,” Powers added.

Hooper comes to XO after more than 15 years with CenturyLink Business, most recently as regional sales director based in Houston, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before that, he served in other roles at CenturyLink and its Qwest acquisition, including regional vice president of global accounts. He also spent time in sales management roles with MCI, and WilTel, dating back to 1989.