CHANNEL PARTNERS Chicago-based master agency Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI) (Booth #2006) announced at the fall 2010 Channel Partners Conference & Expo that it has hired former PHONE+ Group Publisher Mike Saxby as chief strategy officer. 

In his new role, Saxby will be responsible for business development, strategy, process improvements and marketing initiatives involving TBI and its partner program. His first priorities will be brand development and strategic partnerships as well as strengthening relationships with partners and vendors, thereby executing a new communications strategy for TBI. 

For the last six years, Saxby lead the team responsible for producing PHONE+ and the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. During his tenure, Saxby successfully grew the segment’s overall footprint, transitioned the brands to combine print, online and live events and implemented an aggressive strategy to attract nontraditional partners like equipment VARs to the telecom channel.

In total, Saxby worked at Virgo Publishing, PHONE+’s parent company, for 14 years in various roles, including group publisher of the several titles and trade shows in the telecom carrier, lifestyle and light industrial markets.

This is a very unique opportunity to use my knowledge and expertise in both telecom and media on the ground level of the channel,” Saxby said. For many years Ive considered TBI and its team to be business partners and friends, so Im delighted to now be part of their family. While the telecom channel has grown, the rapid collision with the equipment channel has created immense opportunities for all of us.”

It says a lot about the potential the channel holds right now, that Mike would choose to work in telecom over the seven other industries hes worked with while at Virgo Publishing,” said Geoff Shepstone, president of TBI. That is good news for everyone in telecom!”

Ken Mercer, senior vice president of TBI, added, One of Saxbys greatest strengths is his in-depth knowledge on the future of the channel combined with his countless industry relationships. Ive always enjoyed working with Mike and respect him as a professional.  Were looking forward to the results he will bring to TBIs management team.”