Avnet Technology Solutions has hired Shayne Taylor to lead the distributor's new networking and security division as business unit executive. The new division was formed after the distributor's acquisition of ChannelWorx in November last year.

Taylor's appointment follows the departure of former ChannelWorx managing director, Paul Oxley, who will leave Avnet after guiding the organisation through the integration process. In his new role, Taylor will be responsible for the direction of the new division along with sales, technical, marketing, logistics and finances and reports directly to Avnet managing director, Gavin Lawless.

Lawless said Taylor will focus on driving strategy across the networking, security and unified communications business, which includes products from Juniper, IronPort, Websense, Enterasys, Extreme Networks and Avaya. Avnet's acquisition of ChannelWorx is part of the distributor's overall strategy to enhance its HP, IBM, networking, security and storage business.

Prior to joining Avnet, Taylor was the general manager of IPL Communications where he drove the company's voice systems and VoIP business.

His 20-year history in the IT industry, which also included a stint as director of products at Volante/Ipex, made him a valuable management asset for Avnet, Lawless said.