Neil MacDonald steps into HP UK&I channel role

HP has looked within to find its next UK channel head, opting to give Neil MacDonald the chance to make a difference in the position.

MacDonald steps into the UK&I channel director role from the start of February, with a brief to handle the go-to market strategy and sales performance of HP’s print, personal systems, services and solutions in the UK and Ireland.

The role also includes looking after the commercial, consumer and distribution sales teams, as well as the relationships with the vendor’s channel partners.

The previous incumbent, Neil Sawyer, left the business late in 2021 to step into the role of UK&I managing director and general manager at Lenovo.

MacDonald has plenty of experience of both the channel and HP, having worked in several roles, including PS and print consumer director and, most recently the director of e-commerce and omnichannel in EMEA.

“Having previously led the consumer and distribution business, I am delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with those valued partners as well as to develop successful new relationships with those in the commercial arenas,” he said.

MacDonald steps into the channel role at a moment when the vendor is focused on working with partners to ensure they are more productive with customer data by using its Amplify partner programme, and against a backdrop where demand for offerings – including desktop as a service – is rising.

“We have seen a tremendous amount of change in the past 18 months. However, now more than ever, we feel optimistic for the future. We’re delivering the experiences needed to thrive in a hybrid world with our product developments, portfolio and services. This, coupled with the new Amplify partner programme and the underlying robust growth in the market, fuels our ambitions for a successful 2022,” he added.

MacDonald said that he would be working closely with HP’s partner base and long-standing partners to unlock more growth opportunities for them both.

HP’s managing director of UK & Ireland, Dave Prezzano, said that it had looked for someone to take up the channel role who had knowledge of the market and an eye on growth opportunities.

“As we’ve continued to grow our retail and commercial offerings at HP, Neil has been a key factor in our growth and success. His 12 years of experience at HP and unique skillset will continue to be a tremendous asset as he takes up this new position,” he said.