Avaya’s Former SVP of Global Alliances and Channel Development to
help Jenne expand into SMB and enterprise global markets
May 20, 2008, Avon, Ohio
. Jenne Distributors, a leading value-added supplier of communicationproducts and solutions to the global telecom industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of
David P. Johnson as president and chief executive officer. Johnson joined Jenne on May 19,
2008, when Rose Jenne, current CEO, assumed the role of chairman.
Johnson, age 48, joins Jenne after leaving his post as Avaya’s Senior Vice President of Global
Alliances and Channel Development and a member of Avaya’s Executive Council. There he was
accountable for accelerating Avaya’s penetration of existing channels while building relationships
with new channels, such as technology partners, and multiple types of indirect channel partners,
including distributors, resellers, VARs, ISVs, Service Providers and Systems Integrators. Johnson
also was responsible for managing Avaya’s top global alliances, including systems integrator and
Avaya’s Former SVP of Global Alliances and Channel Development to
help Jenne expand into SMB and enterprise global markets
May 20, 2008, Avon, Ohio
. Jenne Distributors, a leading value-added supplier of communicationproducts and solutions to the global telecom industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of
David P. Johnson as president and chief executive officer. Johnson joined Jenne on May 19,
2008, when Rose Jenne, current CEO, assumed the role of chairman.
Johnson, age 48, joins Jenne after leaving his post as Avaya’s Senior Vice President of Global
Alliances and Channel Development and a member of Avaya’s Executive Council. There he was
accountable for accelerating Avaya’s penetration of existing channels while building relationships
with new channels, such as technology partners, and multiple types of indirect channel partners,
including distributors, resellers, VARs, ISVs, Service Providers and Systems Integrators. Johnson
also was responsible for managing Avaya’s top global alliances, including systems integrator and
service provider partnerships.
“Having invested significantly to build our infrastructure, we are now poised for growth and
expansion. And we had mapped out exactly what we wanted for this role, so we already knew
that Dave was the right choice,” said Rose Jenne, Jenne’s current CEO. “He is a perfect fit with
our existing management team, and his broad and deep experience, together with his high profile
and strong reputation among leading industry executives, will put Jenne into an even stronger
position to leverage our already-impressive record of product availability and superior service.”
“As Jenne’s management seeks to take the firm to the next level—from North American market
leader to global powerhouse—it could not have made a better chief executive choice,” said Sheila
McGee-Smith, president and principal analyst of New York-based industry analyst and consulting
firm McGee-Smith Analytics. “The communications market is shifting from a hardware/box
mentality to a software-based services model. Dave Johnson’s unique combination of skills and
experience, both international and SMB, will give Jenne just what’s needed at this inflection point
in the market.”
Jenne’s customers can anticipate a continuing commitment to service first. “The number one
reason I purchase from Jenne is its excellent service and courteous, accessible, knowledgeable
staff,” said Ken Eglberger, president of Advent Communications Inc., Avaya dealer and Jenne
customer. “I’ve worked with Dave in various roles for more than 20 years and have seen his
commitment to ethics, integrity, innovation and hard work. That’s a great match with Jenne’s
philosophies—and one that can help the company reach a new level.”
In previous roles with Avaya International, Johnson was accountable for developing and
deploying Avaya’s expansion strategies outside North America
including achieving significantgrowth in Asia
and integrating a major acquisition in Europe. His recent responsibilitiesencompassed developing and growing strategic technology and go-to-market alliances, with
accountability for partners, such as Juniper, Extreme, Samsung, AT&T, Verizon, BT, Orange
Business Services, IBM, HP, EDS and many others. In addition, living and working in Asia and
Europe gave him significant experience gauging and analyzing the far-reaching effects of
globalization on growth strategies.
In addition to his deep international experience, Johnson was Avaya’s Group Vice President of
the Small and Medium Business Solutions Division. His responsibilities included all R&D, product
management, marketing, sales, service and operations for the Small and Medium Business
(SMB) customer segment.
“A deep knowledge of the SMB and large enterprise markets, vast experience with indirect
channels and a passion for winning make Dave a perfect choice for Jenne,” said Don Peterson,
former chief executive of Avaya, who has significant industry-wide experience. “Having worked
closely with Dave for many years, I’ve been impressed with his integrity, intense customer focus,
and collaborative approach in all that he does.”
“Dave’s record with Avaya’s SMB, mid-markets and large enterprises included delivering doubledigit
growth and expanding market share globally,” said Rose Jenne. “That’s the kind of track
record we know will drive future success at Jenne. We are excited to welcome him on board.”
For more information about Jenne Distributors, visit
or call (440) 471-3112.###
About Jenne Distributors
Jenne Distributors, Inc., headquartered in Avon, Ohio, is a leading value-added supplier of
enterprise communication solutions, including voice, data and video technology products
especially for the SMB and mid reseller markets. Since the company’s founding in 1986, Jenne
has been committed to providing dealers and resellers with broad product selection, competitive
pricing, fast delivery, outstanding technical support plus ongoing sales and technical training.
Jenne’s strategic alliances insure its continuing ability to meet customers growing needs. More
than 140 major manufacturers partner with Jenne including, Avaya, Panasonic, Aastra,
Plantronics, Adtran, GN, AltiGen, ClearOne, Aethra, Sony, Lifesize, ICC and Valcom. Jenne is
committed to tracking emerging technologies and offering fresh solutions, new equipment and
related applications, accredited training and certification to better serve dealers and resellers in
today’s converging market.