Steve Joyner
Farnham
Summary
Over 35 years of experience in SaaS, technology, and communications sectors, delivering consistent results across diverse market conditions. Expertise in motivating and mentoring teams within multinational corporations, enhancing collaboration and loyalty across cultures. Proven track record of driving improvements through innovative strategies while leveraging strong business acumen and disciplined sales methodologies. Accomplished Vice President with a focus on operational success, liaising with C-level executives to achieve corporate objectives and drive year-over-year growth.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1984
1984
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Vice President UK, Ireland and Israel
Avaya
01.2020 - 09.2025
- Achieved 23 out of 24 quarters in six fiscal years, surpassing UKE&I sales targets.
- Developed high-performing sales team, driving substantial growth through effective management.
- Optimised pipeline and funnel management to ensure precise sales forecasts.
- Collaborated with various business units to enhance strategic alignment across operations.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive business plans to drive market growth and expansion.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align organisational objectives and streamline processes.
- Mentored senior management teams to cultivate leadership skills and achieve corporate goals.
- Championed organisational change initiatives to improve company culture and employee engagement.
European Channel Senior Director
Avaya
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Directed all facets of Avaya's indirect sales via channel partners.
- Developed high-performing team of channel leaders and Partner Account Managers.
- Achieved optimal channel volume across multiple countries.
- Ensured partner compliance with training, accreditation, and certification requirements.
- Collaborated with channel programme teams to align offerings with regional partner needs.
- Established successful Avaya channels throughout Europe.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute European channel strategy.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key partners to enhance collaboration and drive growth.
- Developed growth plans to enhance market presence.
- Met and exceeded corporate KPIs with comprehensive regional growth strategies.
Director of Sales Engineering Europe
Avaya
Guildford
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Led team of talented Pre Sales technical engineers to support Avaya's European operations.
- Aligned team efforts with direct and indirect sales account managers for effective collaboration.
- Conducted ongoing development and training programmes to keep teams updated on technology trends.
- Collaborated with R&D teams to relay customer requirements for product enhancement.
Specialist Sales and Technical Operations
Avaya
Guildford
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Stabilised and transformed legacy installed base across EMEA region.
- Developed comprehensive sales motion for technology transformations throughout EMEA.
- Managed significant escalations from critical accounts in EMEA.
- Established weekly reporting cadence to enhance communication with Sales Leaders.
- Acted as primary point of contact for major accounts within EMEA.
- Served as trusted advisor for internal EU matters regarding Nortel.
Senior Manager Strategic Accounts, Emerging Markets (GGM)
Avaya
Dubai
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Executed migration of Nortel customers to Avaya following acquisition.
- Developed programmes to retain Nortel channels post-acquisition.
- Supported regional MDs in strengthening customer bases.
- Managed major accounts in Emerging Markets for strategic growth.
- Provided comprehensive support to Avaya team regarding Nortel processes.
Country Manager GCC
Nortel
Dubai
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Oversaw enterprise business operations in GCC, reporting to Emerging Markets VP.
- Led a sales team of 7, achieving annual targets for orders, revenue, margin, and cash.
- Secured significant new logos in a rapidly growing market.
- Contributed as key member of restructuring team during Nortel’s Chapter 11, collaborating with Ernst & Young.
Channel and Major Account Manager UAE
Nortel
Dubai
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Managed channel business operations across UAE, ensuring robust partner performance.
- Secured full certification and accreditation for all channel partners to sell complete portfolio.
- Provided direct sales support to top five accounts in UAE, driving revenue growth.
- Achieved significant growth targets through effective channel management strategies.
Enterprise Channel Manager Saudi Arabia
Nortel
Dubai
01.1996 - 01.2002
- Oversaw enterprise business operations in Saudi Arabia, reporting directly to Middle East MD.
- Achieved substantial growth across all metrics: bookings, revenue, margin, and cash.
- Managed partner ecosystem in Saudi Arabia to enhance collaboration and performance.
- Ensured precise forecasting and reporting for informed decision-making.
- Localised corporate programmes and initiatives to align with local market needs.
Technical Support Engineer Middle East and Africa
Nortel
Maidenhead
01.1990 - 01.1996
- Delivered third-line technical support to customers and partners across Middle East and Africa.
- Troubleshot complex issues through on-site customer engagement.
- Provided engineering support to sales team for major accounts, enhancing client relations.
- Assisted sales and marketing teams with engineering support during events and trade shows.
Test and Verification Team Leader
GPT(Originally GEC)
Coventry
01.1984 - 01.1990
- Managed a team of four test and verification engineers for quality assurance.
- Created test schedules for each PABX software release, ensuring timely execution.
- Conducted full test and verification cycles for every software release.
- Achieved product readiness from Alpha versions to general availability.
Education
HND - Electronic and Telecommunications
Coventry University
OND - Technology
Oxfordshire Technical College
7 “O” Levels - undefined
Banbury School
Skills
Sales leadership and results-driven approach
- Sales cycle expertise
- Channel partner management
- Customer relationship management
- Territory strategy
- Sales forecasting and analytics
- New business development
- SaaS sales proficiency
- Ethical selling practices
- Communication skills
- Team leadership
- Public speaking
Awards
Masters Award – Top 1% of Sales achievers - 1999, Circle Of Excellence (Top 15% sales achievers) – 1997, 2000, Honors Circle (Achieve 100% of target) – 2001, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010, Presidents Award for major account wins – 2008, 2009 x 2, Selected to present the Enterprise deal of the year at the annual sales conference in 2006 and 2007, Requested by CEO of Nortel to write a white paper around success in selling Networking in EMEA
Affiliations
- Avid sports fan, entertained, motivated and intrigued with every aspect of sport, the science, the competition, the tactics, the strategy, and the talent. Football, Cricket, Motor Racing, Golf, Tennis, Athletics. you name it, I love it
NATIONIONALITY
British
Timeline
Vice President UK, Ireland and Israel
Avaya
01.2020 - 09.2025
European Channel Senior Director
Avaya
01.2018 - 01.2020
Director of Sales Engineering Europe
Avaya
01.2015 - 01.2018
Specialist Sales and Technical Operations
Avaya
01.2012 - 01.2015
Senior Manager Strategic Accounts, Emerging Markets (GGM)
Avaya
01.2010 - 01.2012
Country Manager GCC
Nortel
01.2005 - 01.2010
Channel and Major Account Manager UAE
Nortel
01.2002 - 01.2005
Enterprise Channel Manager Saudi Arabia
Nortel
01.1996 - 01.2002
Technical Support Engineer Middle East and Africa
Nortel
01.1990 - 01.1996
Test and Verification Team Leader
GPT(Originally GEC)
01.1984 - 01.1990
OND - Technology
Oxfordshire Technical College
7 “O” Levels - undefined
Banbury School
HND - Electronic and Telecommunications
Coventry University