Avaya, a global leader in business communications software, systems and services, is making changes to its executive team to drive growth in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.

Danny Drew has been appointed Managing Director for South Africa, while Selvin Kristnen has been appointed Business Development Director for the SADC region.

Drew will focus on expanding the customer base in South Africa, while increasing penetration into existing accounts and developing the channel landscape. Kristnen will be responsible for driving growth across the six-states SADC region, which represents tremendous potential for Avaya, with strong opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

The moves will continue Avaya's successful transformation into a customer-centric, solutions and services-driven organisation. As Avaya helps customers in the SADC region progress with their digital transformation strategies, Drew and Kristnen will both focus on delivering engagement solutions that enable deep and broad business connections that lead to better business outcomes. They will report directly to Hatem Hariri, Managing Director for the entire Africa region.

Quotes

Hatem Hariri, Managing Director, Africa Region, Avaya:
"The southern Africa market is at a very exciting stage in its development, with organisations grasping the importance of digital transformation and embracing digitally driven engagement and networking solutions. By strengthening our leadership team in this key market, Avaya will be better placed to deliver the innovative solutions customers in the region are looking for and will be able to help our customers achieve their desired goals."

Danny Drew, Managing Director, South Africa:
"By focusing more closely on the South Africa market, I expect to be able to help develop accounts in key industry verticals, including service providers, banking, education and government and to bring Avaya's cutting-edge solutions to a wider audience.

Selvin Kristnen, Business Development Director, SADC region, Avaya:
"The market is recognising that Avaya is bringing innovative and outcome-focused solutions that deliver business transformation. I look forward to working more closely with organisations across all six-member states of the SADC region bordering South Africa and helping them to achieve better business outcomes."