Telesystem, a rapidly growing nationwide provider of managed communication, collaboration, infrastructure, and security solutions, named veteran telecommunications executive Ken Mercer (pictured) as its manager of channel strategy. In this role, Mercer will oversee the activities and initiatives for Telesystem’s Elite Agent Program, which includes the top master agencies nationwide.
Mercer, formerly an executive vice president at master agency TBI, has been working in the communication industry for more than 25 years, most of it spent operating in the indirect agent channel. He joined the Telesystem organization in 2020 as a regional channel manager for the central region.
“I was excited for the opportunity Telesystem gave me when I started, but I’m even more thrilled about this position that will let me use my experience and personal network to work with our channel managers and partners in a much more strategic way,” said Mercer. “I think Telesystem does so many unique things that partners still don’t know about, and it will be my job to strategically drive that awareness.”
Telesystem’s agent program has seen significant growth in the last five years, including the addition of several new team members during that period. Master agencies are assigned a static national channel manager to support and grow all aspects of the partnership, while regional channel managers are positioned geographically to support selling partner growth, as well as to aide sales activity. Mercer will have oversight of events, trade show planning, advisory board planning, and market development funds distributed to master agents.
“This is a perfect match for Ken’s skillset, relationships, and experience,” said Telesystem executive vice president and chief business development officer Bruce Wirt. “Ken has worked in key positions on all sides of the channel – provider, agent, and selling partner. He will bring that experience and put it to work to grow mind share with our key partners.”
Telesystem specializes in selling managed solutions for customers that have multiple sites and that are looking for a consolidated relationship across telecommunication product silos.
