Kothari To Leave Cisco Channels

Cisco Systems

Kothari will head a new business unit within Cisco focused on developing new products in the SMB market after a seven-year tenure with Cisco channels, a spokesperson said. The product focus of the new business unit has not yet been defined, the spokesperson said.

Kothari left his mark on Cisco channels as the leader of the team that developed the networking hardware vendor's current channel program. The program, launched in April 2001, rewards partners for technological expertise and value-added services rather than on sales volume.

Surinder Brar, senior director of marketing for worldwide channels, will take charge of channel marketing and programs. Brar is the architect of Cisco's value-based partner program and manages the program's day-to-day operations.

Carolyn Crandall, Cisco channels director of U.S. distribution operations, will manage U.S. distribution. Crandall helped create Cisco's original U.S distribution marketing programs, the spokesperson said.

Brar and Crandall will report directly to Paul Mountford, vice president of worldwide channels.