Channel roundup: Who’s gone where?

It’s been a busy few days for firms looking to bring in executives with the expertise to help drive growth. As with the Cisco example, people with channel experience are often in strong demand. 

Cisco
The firm has turned to a former vice-president of its EMEAR partner organisation to step into the UK&I leadership role. David Meads takes up the post with immediate effect, marking the latest chapter of a decade-long relationship with the vendor. “Technology has the power to help the UK and Ireland accelerate its digital future to advance cultural, economic and social development,” said Meads, now chief executive, Cisco UK & Ireland. “Leading one of the world’s most relevant technology companies, in one of the most ambitious technology-driven nations, is a privilege. I am excited to work with our partners, customers, government and employees to help continue to build an inclusive, digital future for both the UK and Ireland.”

Xerox
Joanne Collins Smee has been appointed executive vice-president and chief commercial, SMB and channels officer. The printer specialist has created the role, in which Collins Smee reports to vice-chairman and CEO John Visentin. She has been at the firm since September 2018, having previously worked for the US government and spent more than 25 years at IBM. “We see the fast-growing SMB market and indirect channels as major plays for Xerox,” said Collins Smee. “Customers are seeking new workplace solutions that make their everyday work better. We’ve invested in new offerings that address these needs, enabling both Xerox and partners to capitalise on this growth opportunity.”

Tech Data
The distributor has given Chris Bates the chance to impress as business unit manager for print and supplies. He takes the reins from Stephen Martin, who has become head of sales at Maverick AV Solutions. Bates has been working in Tech Data’s Dell client business for nearly five years. “We have an opportunity to take Tech Data’s print and supplies business to a new level – not only in supporting partner sales growth, but also in forging closer and more focused relationships with our supplier partners and reseller customers,” he said.

The distributor has also added to its global computing components (GCC) team with the appointment of Matt Austin as sales manager, GCC. Austin has spent six and a half years in corporate and SMB sales at Tech Data. Adam Lee, business unit manager, GCC UK at Tech Data, said: “It is all coming together for GCC in the UK. With our expanded and fully combined portfolio, we are now able to meet the needs of every customer – from independent retailers and systems builders serving the needs of consumers and enthusiasts, to resellers operating in the corporate, public and further education sectors, who need to tailor solutions for their clients. Sales have been growing as more customers start to understand the breadth of our portfolio and capability.”

M247
The cloud player has appointed Paul Sheard as customer solutions architect. He joins at an interesting time for the firm, as it launches its own cloud platform. Sheard will help add some muscle to the pre-sales team in its support of businesses through their digital transformations. He has 15 years’ experience and holds all four VMware VCP6 qualifications and an AWS-certified solutions architect qualification. “I am excited to join the team at such a pivotal time for the business,” he said. “M247’s rapid growth and opportunity within the cloud space, alongside its technologies and investment in them, were huge factors in my decision to join the company. I’m looking forward to helping the business support its customers as they grow.”