Network Services Optimization

Dieter Thompson is President, ISG Network and Software Advisory (NaSa), and was named a member of the ISG Executive Board in January 2023. Dieter joined ISG in 2016 with the firm’s acquisition of Alsbridge and has since built NaSa into a key advisory business supporting clients that are increasingly looking to modernize their networks and software as the backbone of their digital transformations. ISG expects this business to continue to grow in size and importance as the number of connected systems and devices continues to multiply. Dieter spent his early career with AT&T before founding Thompson Advisory Group (TAG), focused on telecommunications procurement and vendor management, in 1999 and later acquired by Alsbridge. Under TAG, he helped pioneer the development of an asset exchange approach using telecommunications credits and “non-performing” assets for Fortune 500 companies. After selling TAG, Dieter served as president of Alsbridge before helping to orchestrate the sale of the firm to ISG. Dieter earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Memphis.

For more than a decade at ISG, Rob has led global consulting engagements grounded in complex Information Technology transformation. Rob is recognized as an authority in the ICT industry with experience steeped deeply in Voice and Network technologies, advising in 140+ engagement across the Globe. He brings a seasoned and valued perspective to clients and service providers alike —Rob and his team field the complex ICT projects for ISG.

Before coming to ISG through its acquisition of Alsbridge, Dave served as Managing Director of Alsbridge’s Network Services Group. Prior to that, he served as the president of Telwares, where he was responsible for leading the organization through several critical periods of revenue growth and service expansion. Dave also established key operating relationships within many of the global network service providers and their executives. During his tenure at Telwares, Dave held several key executive positions including; SVP Engagement Delivery, COO, Managing Director and President. 

Jon specialises in the IT and data network/telecommunications sectors with over 25 years delivery, programme and transformation management experience. Jon’s business management experience includes leading the definition, design deployment and delivery of global data network services; analysis of complex sourcing service contracts; product and portfolio management.  Jon has a strong background in managing technical support, network communication infrastructures, business systems and data centre operations,  with a proven ability to plan and lead successful business system and network infrastructure design, implementation and migrations at client, national and global levels.

As Director of Network Services, Brad leads Network Advisory delivery and provides oversight of each client engagement, helping to develop overall strategy and key messaging. Brad has led several global network transformation engagements in addition to contract negotiations and RFPs for both wireline and wireless services. Brad’s background in the carrier space has proven integral on engagements with several major U.S. carriers. In addition, he often brings his broad international experience to projects across ISG.

Will Saybe came to ISG (Alsbridge) in 2006 with more than eight years of experience in telecommunications audit arena. Currently, Will has over eighteen years’ experience in providing short term cost out solutions to clients. He has worked with some of the largest clients in the industry and secured well over $50M in refunds for his clients over the course of his career. His focus on delivering a favorable ROI to the client projects has increased client satisfaction and repeat business for the organization. 

Chris Gruenewald is a Director on the ISG Network Advisory Services team.

Mark has 20 years of experience in complex telecommunication systems design, architecture, development and delivery including Interactive Voice Response systems, Computer Telephony Integration, Contact Center software and hardware, Speech Recognition applications, and back-office communication platforms. Mark has extensive experience with both TDM and VoIP (SIP and H.323) telephony platforms as well as carrier network services including the Service Management System, SS7/ISDN, SIP/PSTN bridging and direct SIP peering.

Jaymi Kendall has spent the last twenty years in the telecommunication industry with a wide range of experience in finance, operations and sales. She brings her expertise in videoconferencing and competitive telecommunication analysis to ISG’s Network Services Group. Jaymi’s expertise includes financial analysis and contract negotiation; wireline, wireless and cable contract procurement; custom telecommunications contract delivery; project management, maintaining alignment with client objectives; and developing strategies to achieve client financial goals.

Denise Harmon is a Managing Consultant in ISG Network Delivery. She is responsible for client pre-sales Network Assessments and statement of work development. The Network Assessment involves a review of clients’ carrier wireline and wireless services, contracts, and spend data, comparing client rates to industry market rates, developing an understanding of the client network situation, such as technology changes, contractual, to provide recommendation sourcing strategy recommendations.