Channel roundup: Who's gone where?

Another week has passed and there have been a fair few moves in the industry, with firms looking to bring on board the expertise needed to support growth.

Konica Minolta

The reason for an appointment is usually to gain growth, and the firm clearly wants that in its professional print and industrial print division in the UK after it handed the director role to Mark Ash.

His CV has numerous examples of working in the industry, including spells being responsible for the UK print division at Samsung, and most recently chief sales amd marketing officer at Alto Digital, which is now part of Xerox.

“I am impressed at hare challenging the status quo, helping businesses to transform, and rebuilding their organisation to be stronger than ever before. The professional and industrial print marketplace has a key role to play in the ‘new normal’ as we support businesses to safely change and adapt their working practices to deliver value to their customers,” he said. 

Avanade

The firm has rewarded Anna Di Silverio for her hard work over the past decade at the firm, most recently working her magic as area president for the growth markets, with a promotion to the role of area president for Europe.

Before her time spent in Singapore, she spent a five-year spell as general manager of Italy.   

“After five years leading our growth markets business, I couldn’t be more delighted that Anna will become our area president in Europe,” said Pamela Maynard, CEO of Avanade. “Her ability to partner with our clients, to grow our business and prioritize our people will be critical as she leads our European business into its next chapter.” 

KnowBe4

The security awareness trainer has appointed industry veteran Kevin Klausmeyer to the board of directors as an independent board member. He has served on multiple boards, including Quest Software, Callidus Software and Sourcefore.

“Kevin has many years of experience as a board member for several software companies, making him a perfect addition as an independent member to our board at KnowBe4,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4. “Adding someone with technology financial acumen helps to round out the diverse skill-sets of our board. We welcome his ideas and contributions, as they will make a positive impact on our organisation.”

Technological Innovations Group (TIG)

The AV comms and collaborative player has appointed Courtney Hercules as UK regional sales manager at TIG. Her main role will be to focus on the Creston product range and support those integrators looking to offer customers a solution.

“As we share this opportunity to grow together in these uncertain times, I look forward to bringing drive, expertise and assisting as best I can,” she said.

BlackLine

The accounting vertical focused firm has hired Mel Zeledon as senior vice-president of channels and alliances, responsible for leading all partner ecosystem programs globally.

He has a CV packed full of channel experience. Prior to joining BlackLine, Zeledon was vice-president of global channels at Workday, and spent six years as vice-president of channels and mid-market at IBM. 

“Mel has a successful track record building, scaling and leading partner programs globally for a wide range of technology firms, from startups to large Fortune 100 companies, as well as across the gamut of channel and alliance partners including global consulting and advisory firms, resellers,  systems integrators, managed service providers and independent software vendors,” said Marc Huffman, BlackLine president and chief operating officer.

Exertis

The pandemic appears to have almost no impact on the channel player’s recruitment ambitions with the firm making a number of appointments across Europe. Christer Svärd has become managing director for Exertis Nordics, and Helena Byström has taken up a position in the same territory as supply chain director.

Exertis France has hired Nadine Bloch as team director of purchasing and procurement, and the firm’s Middle East operation has given Noel Shannon the chance to make a difference as financial controller.

“I’m pleased to announce these key appointments across the business which are great examples of Exertis attracting and developing top quality talent in multiple geographies. Despite the current climate, these appointments are an excellent indicator of our continued growth and ambition across the international division,” said Clive Fitzharris, managing director of Exertis International.