PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Richardson, a global sales training and performance improvement company, today announced that Mike Kunkle has joined the company as Director, New Product Development. Bringing over 25 years of experience in the sales profession, Mr. Kunkle is a training and organizational effectiveness leader with special expertise in sales force transformation. After his initial years on the front line in sales and sales management, he has spent the past 16 years as a corporate director or consultant, leading departments and projects with one purpose -- to improve sales results. He led major sales optimization efforts in both B2B and B2C environments, producing significant results for both employers and clients.

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Mr. Kunkle will be responsible for managing the development of new products, overseeing and growing existing product lines, and exploring partnerships to help Richardson meet the emerging needs of the evolving marketplace. In this role, he will integrate the latest thought leadership, research, and technology from learning and development and sales force effectiveness to effectively support Richardson's clients.

"Mike brings a very successful history of accomplishment to the Richardson team," said Dario Priolo, Richardson Chief Strategy Officer. "He has significant experience in effective sales personnel selection, sales training, sales manager development, and leading disciplined change efforts. He has delivered considerable value for his clients, and his proven, results-driven approach is consistent with what our clients expect from Richardson."

"I've spent the last sixteen years honing my sales transformation methodology and have known about Richardson for quite some time," said Mr. Kunkle. "I'm incredibly impressed with their evolution to a sales performance improvement company. Their delivery of comprehensive and customized sales training solutions truly helps organizations execute their sales strategy. Richardson is perfectly aligned with my experience, background, and focus on achieving client results. I couldn't be more excited to be joining the Richardson team, and I am looking forward to helping us realize our vision and our clients' visions of sales transformation."

Mike has led the sales training or sales effectiveness functions for companies such as Household Finance, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, NovaStar Mortgage, and Insphere Insurance Solutions, in addition to leading his own consulting firm. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @Mike_Kunkle or connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/mikekunkle.

About Richardson

Richardson (www.richardson.com) helps leaders prepare their organizations to execute sales strategies and achieve business objectives. Richardson has the expertise and resources to help clients scale their initiatives quickly and confidently across their entire sales force and supporting functions. Working together, Richardson identifies sales best practices, evaluates talent, builds capability and consistency through world-class sales training, and sustains necessary change. Richardson ensures that each solution reflects the unique culture and values of its client, driving rapid adoption and lasting results.

SOURCE Richardson