Managed Service Provider (MSP) Industry Veterans to Join Cloud5 – Spearheading Operations and Strategic Growth as Company Expands into More Consultative Solutions

Chicago, IL — September 7, 2023, Cloud5 Communications, a leading provider of communications and technology solutions for more than 5,000 hotels, MDUs, and commercial facilities across the Americas, today announced the launch of its new Managed Services division. Designed to support the IT needs and challenges of the hospitality industry, as well as adjacent markets including MDU, senior living and student housing, this division will help properties better manage technology infrastructure, IT operations, projects, and security initiatives.

As a Managed Services Provider (MSP), Cloud5 will continue to build upon its commitment to delivering world-class solutions and support to hotel brands, management companies, ownership groups and independent/boutique properties.

“Our team has built a reputation for expertise and service excellence – it’s something we’ve invested deeply in and, as a result, we have great client partnerships and some of the most knowledgeable, dedicated people in the business working at Cloud5,” said Mark Holzberg, President, and CEO of Cloud5 Communications. “A managed services division is a natural extension of our service-driven, technology-focused business, and will enable us to provide the industry with a more consultative approach to the provisioning of services.”

Cloud5’s new 24/7 Managed Services division will offer a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the hospitality sector, including:

Managed Service Desk Support – Provide a wide range of service support including help desk, asset monitoring and management, vendor management and more.

Managed Infrastructure Services and Support – Ensure the availability and reliability of IT infrastructure components by configuring, deploying, maintaining, and managing servers, workstations, and other hardware.

Managed Network Support – Design, deploy, manage, and monitor wired and wireless networks and devices for seamless connectivity, network security and compliance with industry standards.

Managed Cybersecurity Services – Implement robust cybersecurity measures including Antivirus services, firewalls configuration and management and cybersecurity training to protect guest and financial data.

Managed Data Backup and Recovery – Prevent loss with thorough data backup configuration and management.

Professional Services – Operate as an extension of a company’s IT department to handle everything from annual IT budget development and hotel transitions / openings to project management and customized property initiatives.

To lead this venture, Cloud5 has welcomed two distinguished industry veterans with a wealth of experience and knowledge:

Heide Werthamer, an accomplished leader in the hospitality space, has joined Cloud5 as the Vice President of Managed Services Operations. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Werthamer has deep expertise in all aspects of hotel management, emerging technology development and start-up design, development, and implementation. Most recently, Werthamer oversaw the day-to-day operations of Edge Communications, focusing strongly on the support desk and project deployment teams and building a reputation for superior service delivery. As part of the Cloud5 operations team led by SVP of Operations, Marc Vaughn, Werthamer will spearhead the development and implementation of all managed services operational resources and components, ensuring that Cloud5 is at the forefront of service delivery and industry innovation.

Marina Willis, an esteemed figure in the hospitality landscape, joins Cloud5 in the role of Vice President of Strategic Accounts. Willis is a proven sales leader with more than 25 years of experience optimizing profitability, improving client engagement and satisfaction, and driving all stages of the sales process including the renewal and expansion of long-term partnerships. She too comes to Cloud5 from Edge Communications, where she served as VP of Strategic Accounts since 2018. In this new role, Willis will spearhead sales and account management for the managed service business, working in coordination with Mark Speck, Cloud5’s Vice President of Sales, and the rest of the Cloud5 organization to deliver service excellence and facilitate growth. Willis will report to Cloud5’s CEO, Mark Holzberg.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Heide and Marina to the Cloud5 family,” said Holzberg. “Developing a comprehensive managed services operation is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and with this team in place, I look forward to delivering even greater value and strategic direction for our clients.”

For more information about Cloud5 Communications, visit www.cloud5.com.