A week into her role as Cisco's UK and Ireland new channel chief, Bernadette Wightman has revealed collaboration will remain the watchword for the networking giant's UK channel.

Wightman, who previously helmed the vendor's UK and Ireland SMB operation, has replaced John Donovan, who led the channel for more than five years. He has now taken the reins of Cisco's UK and Ireland enterprise and mid-market business.

The vendor's partner summit in April was used to unveil the Cisco Partner Exchange tool, which promotes rival VARs working collaboratively. Wightman told CRN that the concept of collaboration had thus far been at the forefront of her mind as she embarks on her new role.

"I am nine days in and I have spent nearly all of them visiting my customers, really getting to understand their business, listening to their thoughts and the collaboration word is firmly on my mind," she said.

Scott Fletcher, chief executive of Cisco Gold partner ANS added: "We have a very good relationship with Bernadette. She will do well and we look forward to continuing to work with her."