Channel round-up: Who's gone where?

Cloud Technology Solutions

Manchester-based Cloud Technology Solutions (CTS) has hired Chris Bunch as chief operating officer and promoted Tom Ray, who had been in that position since February, to managing director.

Bunch, who joins from Cloudreach, will responsible for scaling the company’s Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace offerings to UK and European markets and helping customers transform. 

“Almost immediately after I joined CTS, the UK went into lockdown and the drive towards digital for many businesses accelerated at a huge pace. The team at CTS rose to the challenge and it’s been a great company to be a part of,” said Ray.

“CTS has demonstrated that it’s a leader in cloud technology and modernisation. The next step for us is to become a market leader in data analytics and the use of technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, to help enable truly data-driven organisations.”

Axell Wireless

Simon Cosgrove has been appointed as CEO of Axell Wireless, with a brief to spearhead the company’s international growth and development into new markets. The decision to bring Cosgrove onboard comes just five months after the acquisition of Axell Wireless by Rcapital. Andrew Littlejohns, Rcapital operating partner, is also joining as chairman.

Cosgrove joins from private equity-backed startup Stratto, a leading infrastructure-as-a-service business. “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take the company forward in this exciting, dynamic and growing market, and I am looking forward to leading the company in a new era,” he said. “The takeover by Rcapital heralds a fresh start with new investment that will enable my team to grow Axell Wireless in the years ahead.”

Adarma

Former Cisco vice-president of global sales John Maynard has been appointed as CEO of independent UK cyber security business Adarma. He starts the role at the end of November and will arrive at a time when the firm is expanding its service offerings and driving international growth across the UK, US and Europe. As well as Cisco, Maynard’s CV includes time at DXC Technology and HP. 

“The vision and talent of the team at Adarma has already led to an extensive list of successes in recent years, including consistently increasing revenues by providing proactive security threat management for some of the UK’s most well-known brands,” said Maynard. “With this expertise and Adarma’s unwavering commitment to its customers, its people and its offerings, the business has a solid foundation for overseas growth and expansion in the cyber security market.”

Current CEO David Calder will take on the role of chief product officer.

Jabra

The audio equipment specialist has turned to Jeanette Hunter to take up the role as contact centre specialist for Jabra in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) North. Her CV includes more than a decade’s worth of experience, most recently as head of contact centre projects for Comparison Technologies.

“The contact centre is at a critical point,” said Nigel Dunn, managing director for Jabra EMEA North region. “Over the course of 2020, we’ve seen just how important a clear strategy for transformation is and experienced a gear shift in terms of adoption of new technologies.”

Sophos

The security player has promoted Jonathan Bartholomew to vice-president of sales for the UK and Ireland and the Nordics. After joining Sophos in 2009 to manage strategic channel partners across the UK, Bartholomew then successfully took on the role of senior director of channel for EMEA.

“Cyber security continues to be of utmost importance to organisations of all sizes during these very challenging times,” said Bartholomew. “With ransomware a constant threat to organisations of all sizes and most of the global workforce working remotely, there is significant opportunity for partners to align with Sophos to bring the most advanced, next-generation security solutions to customers.”

AspiraCloud

Digital transformation specialist and Microsoft partner AspiraCloud has appointed Matt Dunkin, a former director at Collabco, to lead the company’s sales, business development and growth strategy.

“I am delighted to announce Matt’s appointment,” said Adrian Edgar, managing director at AspiraCloud. “He brings fantastic experience to the team as we look forward to establishing our position as a leading digital transformation provider both in the UK and overseas.”