Nigel Williams, a well-known networking channel executive thanks to stints at Cisco (NSDQ:CSCO) and Level 3 Communications, is the new channel chief at network infrastructure specialist Ciena (NSDQ:CIEN), CRN has learned.

A representative for Ciena confirmed Williams' hire and that his title is vice president of global channels and strategic alliances. He is based in Atlanta.

Williams was senior vice president, enterprise sales and strategic alliances at Level 3 until last fall when he moved into a new role as vice president, business development, reporting to Level 3's wholesale markets chief.