Simonsen, who was MD ANZ at Avaya, will be responsible for delivering Polycom’s growth within ANZ, one of its largest markets within the Asia Pacific region. He will take charge of all aspects of operational management and report to Geoff Thomas, President, Polycom Asia Pacific.

Simonsen has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in multiple roles across ANZ and Asia Pacific, including as the managing director of Equinix Australia & New Zealand, with document and shipping technology provider Pitney Bowes as ANZ managing director and enterprise vice president for the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America markets, and with Cisco and EMC.

“Ensuring our customers achieve success and driving profitable business growth are our top priorities and Tony brings a deep understanding of the market and industry,” said Thomas.

“While Polycom is a leader within the ANZ collaboration industry, it’s time to shift gears and accelerate the next phase of our growth plans with renewed focus on cloud, managed services and new solutions. Having Tony join our team will provide the depth of senior leadership needed to create the required momentum. He is a well respected executive and brings rich experience within ANZ and the wider APAC region.”

Simonsen said, “Polycom is a leader in collaboration with smart, creative solutions that address the dynamics of all businesses, regardless of size, across Australia and New Zealand.  In such a fluid environment, it is critical to focus on the needs of our customers, building and enhancing our partner relationships and executing effectively in all we do.”

Simonsen is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s as well as the Australian Institute of Management, and serves as a board member for the charity Every Little Bit Helps – a non-profit organisation founded to support homeless adults, youth and families.