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

Aryaka has a new channel chief.

Claudio Perugini is the software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) provider’s new senior vice president of global channels. Perugini has more than 30 years’ experience in networking sales and channel. He assumes responsibility for growing Aryaka’s global partner program.

Aryaka’s Claudio Perugini

Perugini says he will focus on recruitment, scaling, partner enablement and “enhancing the structure” of the channel program.

“Aryaka’s channel partners have played an essential role is establishing the company as the market leader in the global SD-WAN space,” Perugini said. “Our technology is a game-changer for the channel community as we offer global enterprises a next-generation alternative to legacy network technologies.”

Perugini most recently serviced as vice president of worldwide channels for Big Switch networks. He also led sales for LightCyber (acquired by Palo Alto Networks) and Gigamon. He worked alongside Aryaka chief revenue officer Mike Hoffman at Big Switch and Gigamon. Hoffman joined the SD-WAN company in December with the intention of leading Aryaka to an initial pubic offering (IPO). Hoffman and Perugini both worked for Gigamon when it went public in 2013.

CEO Shawn Farshchi praised Perugini’s résumé.

“With more than 30 years of sales and channel leadership experience in the networking industry, Claudio is uniquely qualified to further expand Aryaka’s global partner program,” Farshchi said. “His expertise in building and leading channel and sales organizations pre- and post-public offering is going to be vital as we execute toward a successful planned IPO.”

Aryaka spoke to Channel Partners for our Nov. 22 SD-WAN column, discussing consolidation among SD-WAN companies.