Top Avaya Executive Dave Johnson Named CEO of Jenne Distributors

Avaya's Former SVP of Global Alliances and Channel Development to help Jenne
expand into SMB and enterprise global markets

AVON, Ohio, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenne Distributors, a leading
value-added supplier of communication products and solutions to the global
telecom industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of David P. Johnson
as president and chief executive officer. Johnson joined Jenne on May 19,
2008, when Rose Jenne, current CEO, assumed the role of chairman.
Johnson, age 48, joins Jenne after leaving his post as Avaya's Senior Vice
President of Global Alliances and Channel Development and a member of Avaya's
Executive Council. There he was accountable for accelerating Avaya's
penetration of existing channels while building relationships with new
channels, such as technology partners, and multiple types of indirect channel
partners, including distributors, resellers, VARs, ISVs, Service Providers and
Systems Integrators. Johnson also was responsible for managing Avaya's top
global alliances, including systems integrator and service provider
partnerships.
"Having invested significantly to build our infrastructure, we are now
poised for growth and expansion. And we had mapped out exactly what we wanted
for this role, so we already knew that Dave was the right choice," said Rose
Jenne, Jenne's current CEO. "He is a perfect fit with our existing management
team, and his broad and deep experience, together with his high profile and
strong reputation among leading industry executives, will put Jenne into an
even stronger position to leverage our already-impressive record of product
availability and superior service."
"As Jenne's management seeks to take the firm to the next level-from North
American market leader to global powerhouse-it could not have made a better
chief executive choice," said Sheila McGee-Smith, president and principal
analyst of New York-based industry analyst and consulting firm McGee-Smith
Analytics. "The communications market is shifting from a hardware/box
mentality to a software-based services model. Dave Johnson's unique
combination of skills and experience, both international and SMB, will give
Jenne just what's needed at this inflection point in the market."
Jenne's customers can anticipate a continuing commitment to service first.
"The number one reason I purchase from Jenne is its excellent service and
courteous, accessible, knowledgeable staff," said Ken Eglberger, president of
Advent Communications Inc., Avaya dealer and Jenne customer. "I've worked with
Dave in various roles for more than 20 years and have seen his commitment to
ethics, integrity, innovation and hard work. That's a great match with Jenne's
philosophies-and one that can help the company reach a new level."
In previous roles with Avaya International, Johnson was accountable for
developing and deploying Avaya's expansion strategies outside
North America-including achieving significant growth in Asia-and integrating
a major acquisition in Europe. His recent responsibilities encompassed
developing and growing strategic technology and go-to-market alliances, with
accountability for partners, such as Juniper, Extreme, Samsung, AT&T, Verizon,
BT, Orange Business Services, IBM, HP, EDS and many others. In addition,
living and working in Asia and Europe gave him significant experience gauging
and analyzing the far-reaching effects of globalization on growth strategies.
In addition to his deep international experience, Johnson was Avaya's
Group Vice President of the Small and Medium Business Solutions Division. His
responsibilities included all R&D, product management, marketing, sales,
service and operations for the Small and Medium Business (SMB) customer
segment.
"A deep knowledge of the SMB and large enterprise markets, vast experience
with indirect channels and a passion for winning make Dave a perfect choice
for Jenne," said Don Peterson, former chief executive of Avaya, who has
significant industry-wide experience. "Having worked closely with Dave for
many years, I've been impressed with his integrity, intense customer focus,
and collaborative approach in all that he does."
"Dave's record with Avaya's SMB, mid-markets and large enterprises
included delivering double-digit growth and expanding market share globally,"
said Rose Jenne. "That's the kind of track record we know will drive future
success at Jenne. We are excited to welcome him on board."
For more information about Jenne Distributors, visit www.jenne.com or call
(440) 471-3112.
About Jenne Distributors
Jenne Distributors, Inc., headquartered in Avon, Ohio, is a leading
value-added supplier of enterprise communication solutions, including voice,
data and video technology products especially for the SMB and mid reseller
markets. Since the company's founding in 1986, Jenne has been committed to
providing dealers and resellers with broad product selection, competitive
pricing, fast delivery, outstanding technical support plus ongoing sales and
technical training.
Jenne's strategic alliances insure its continuing ability to meet
customers growing needs. More than 140 major manufacturers partner with Jenne
including, Avaya, Panasonic, Aastra, Plantronics, Adtran, GN, AltiGen,
ClearOne, Aethra, Sony, Lifesize, ICC and Valcom. Jenne is committed to
tracking emerging technologies and offering fresh solutions, new equipment and
related applications, accredited training and certification to better serve
dealers and resellers in today's converging market.
SOURCE Jenne Distributors, Inc.

Ray Jenne, Jr., +1-440-471-3112, ray@jenne.com, or Craig Rocco,
+1-440-471-3138, crocco@jenne.com, both of Jenne Distributors