Allworx, which is now part of Windstream, has promoted Thomas Elliott to director of sales and business development.

In his newly created role, Elliot will be responsible for growing and supporting both Allworx’s authorized dealer network and its distribution partners.

In his previous position as director of business development, Elliott was responsible for building the distribution channel for VoIP solutions for  small and medium-sized businesses across North America.

“Tom’s extensive experience in sales operations, channel development and strategic planning has been an enormous asset to Allworx,” said Allworx vice president and general manager Chris Hasenauer.”Elliott will continue to have a significant role in guiding Allworx’s future strategic direction. I am excited about the opportunities that will develop as a result of Tom’s expanded leadership role.”

Elliott brings 30 years of experience in the telecommunication industry, of which eight have been with Allworx. He began his professional career in telecommunications working for Rochester Telephone in various operating and marketing roles, and then went on to head several companies in the industry, including TIE Communications Canada, where he was chairman and CEO, Callnet Telecommunications  (later Sprint Canada and now part of Rogers Communications), where he was president and CEO, and WillTel Communications Systems where he was senior vice president of marketing and sales, leading its 450-member telephone equipment and network salesforce.

Later, Elliott co-founded the marketing and consulting firm Quest America. When that company was later sold to USN Communications, he was named COO of the parent company and prior to its IPO, he became CEO and chairman of the board.

Elliott holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Economics from the University of Windsor.

“I am excited about the challenges associated with this expanded role,” said Elliott. “We’ve accomplished a great deal already at Allworx; early stage product success, significant venture capital funding, acquisition by an up and coming competitive carrier and now full integration into the sales efforts here at Windstream, but I believe the real opportunities are still ahead of us.”