Windstream (NASDAQ:WIN), a leading provider of advanced network communications, announced that it has named Brad Smith its Vice President of Channel Sales, West Division.

“We are thrilled to have a Channel executive with Brad’s knowledge and experience join the Windstream Channel sales team,” said Matt Milliron, Head of Strategic Channels and Channel Chief. “Brad has been a VP and leader of Channel programs for over 15 years where he has built strong relationships within our ecosystem as well as scaled national Channel programs through change, adversity and acquisitions. His experience matches well with our environment and I couldn’t be happier to announce this hire.”

Since 2002 Brad has led award-winning national sales teams as VP of Channel, including the extensive growth of indirect, wholesale, account management, and direct sales channels within a large communications company.

Brad’s extensive knowledge and his connections within the Channel have allowed him to lead the most profitable channel with the highest sales per head in the industry. Throughout his long tenure he has proven to be an integral part of the merger and acquisition (M&A) strategy by providing insight, synergy, integration and leadership through 33 separate acquisitions. These include M&As with Birch, Lightyear, Earnest, Cbeyond, Primus and Fusion.

Through indirect Channel sales, Brad and his teams have worked with a vast network of Agent/Dealers and Master Agents to sell technical communications solutions to small, medium and enterprise businesses across the United States and Canada. These products include cloud PBX and VoIP solutions, local and long-distance voice, cloud solutions, DSL, T1, PRI, fiber, mobile voice, and data. In addition to the sales teams, Brad established the critical teams required for scale, including sales support, Channel marketing, and   National Partner Development for support of Channel.

Brad began his career as an entrepreneur with his own business, which he ran successfully for nine years.