Application networking solution provider A10 Networks (ATEN) has hired Gunter Reiss, a 21-year Ericsson veteran versed in business development, strategic alliances, business partnerships and OEM relationships, to oversee its activities in those areas.

A10 officials said Reiss will be able to capitalize on momentum the company has built for its Thunder portfolio, which features its application delivery controller, carrier-grade networking and new threat protection system, among customers, channel partners and OEMs. In particular, Reiss is tasked with developing relationships with technology partners to support A10’s strategic initiatives.

“Gunter joins A10 Networks at a great time where the interest in the market in working with us is high,” said Ray Smets, A10 Networks global sales vice president. “His vast experience is a perfect fit for A10 Networks at this stage of our growth. The relationships he will develop with key technology partners globally will support our growth strategies in the enterprise, data center, cloud and service provider market.”

In his long tenure at Ericsson, Reiss most recently served as vice president of Business Development and Strategy for IP & Broadband. He previously held senior-level positions in business, partnership, alliances and strategy development at Ericsson offices in Texas and at facilities in Austria and Sweden.

Reiss’ background also includes a three-year stint with Damovo, an IT solutions provider based in Glasgow, Scotland, and IPC. He’s also held a seat on Skorpios Technologies’ board of directors and was a member of the Sun Microsystems customer advisory board.

In late April, A10 kicked off its revamped Affinity Partner program to motivate and reward channel partners selling its application service gateway products.