Zoom has officially announced the strategic appointment of Mike Johnson as the Head of Channel for Australia and New Zealand, a move designed to significantly enhance its channel growth strategy within this key region.
With an impressive background that encompasses over 20 years of leadership experience, Mike Johnson has honed his expertise in cloud services, SaaS, and customer experience industries. He is poised to utilize this wealth of experience to effectively propel Zoom’s partner and channel growth strategy in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) market. As Zoom intensifies its investments in the channel space, Johnson’s leadership will play a crucial role in navigating the opportunities that lie within this important growth area.
Johnson will report directly to Jacob Pereira, the Head of Channel for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Pereira expressed confidence in the new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Mike join us in this pivotal role as we forge ahead in the ANZ channel space, strengthening our commitment to supporting the growth of our partners across the region. His depth of experience and strategic insights are key as we expand our presence in the ANZ channel space.”
Prior to joining Zoom, Johnson held the position of Sales Director for NICE in the ANZ region for more than five years. His extensive career also includes key roles in companies such as MadeComfy and Rackspace, where he successfully led sales initiatives and developed go-to-market strategies that directly contributed to growth in the ANZ and APAC markets.
Johnson shared his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’m excited to join Zoom and work alongside our partners in ANZ. Zoom’s partner-first mindset and commitment to empowering partners with streamlined processes and enhanced incentives is unmatched. I look forward to creating new growth opportunities for Zoom and helping our partners accelerate their business and deliver value to our customers across multiple industries.”
As he joins Zoom, Bede Hackney, Head of ANZ, remarked on the significance of Johnson’s appointment, saying, “Mike joins Zoom at an exciting phase of our growth in ANZ where we are helping enterprises and SMBs transform the way they work by leveraging AI to connect, communicate, and get things done. The addition of Mike to our ANZ leadership team signifies our commitment to strengthening our channel partnerships and meeting the increasing demand for our AI-first solutions.”
Johnson’s appointment is part of a broader initiative to advance the Zoom Up Partner Program. The programme introduces new tools and resources meticulously designed to enhance collaboration, improve the quoting process, and simplify partner onboarding. These initiatives will provide ANZ partners with greater access to a diverse range of Zoom solutions, including Zoom AI Companion 2.0, Zoom Phone, Workvivo, and the Zoom Contact Center. Each of these offerings is strategically aimed at enhancing productivity and customer experience across various industries.
**Interview with Mike Johnson, Zoom’s New Head of Channel for Australia and New Zealand**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mike. Congratulations on your new role as Head of Channel for Australia and New Zealand at Zoom! How does it feel to step into this pivotal position?
**Mike Johnson:** Thank you! I’m incredibly excited to take on this role. Zoom is a forward-thinking company, and I see great potential in the ANZ market. This position not only allows me to leverage my experience but also to work closely with our partners to drive mutual growth and innovation.
**Editor:** You have over 20 years of leadership experience in cloud services, SaaS, and customer experience industries. How do you plan to utilize that expertise at Zoom?
**Mike Johnson:** My background has equipped me with a solid understanding of partner ecosystems and customer needs. I plan to focus on strengthening our channels by enhancing collaboration with partners, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring that we deliver exceptional customer experiences. It’s about forging strong relationships and creating value together.
**Editor:** Jacob Pereira, the Head of Channel for the APAC region, has expressed confidence in your appointment. What do you think will be your biggest challenge as you navigate the channel growth strategy in this region?
**Mike Johnson:** Every region has its unique dynamics, and understanding the local market nuances will be crucial. My biggest challenge will be to align Zoom’s resources with the needs of our partners in ANZ while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. I believe that with a strategic approach and open communication, we can overcome these challenges effectively.
**Editor:** As Zoom increases its investments in the channel space, what specific initiatives can our readers expect to see in the coming months?
**Mike Johnson:** We’re looking at several strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our partners. This includes enhanced training programs, tailored marketing support, and innovative joint go-to-market strategies. Our goal is to make it easier for our partners to succeed and to deeply integrate ourselves into the local ecosystem.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to Zoom partners and stakeholders in Australia and New Zealand?
**Mike Johnson:** I want to assure our partners that my door is always open. We’re committed to supporting their growth and success. Together, we can harness the power of Zoom’s platform to deliver transformative experiences for our customers. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities that await us.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mike. We wish you all the best in your new role!
**Mike Johnson:** Thank you! I appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to what we can achieve together.