Computacenter Distribution preparing for aggressive growth strategy

Computacenter Distribution (CCD) is gearing up to embark on an aggressive growth strategy, CRN has learnt.

The distribution arm of Computacenter last week confirmed that it had appointed Lee Perkins as its new sales director to replace Lee Driscoll who left three weeks ago.

Last year Perkins was promoted to UK director of Azlan, a division of Computer 2000 (C2000) (CRN, 5 September). He resigned from Azlan last week and is currently on gardening leave.

Speaking to CRN, Mike Rodwell, divisional director of CCD, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lee on board; he is a great industry player. We will be strengthening the team in the next few weeks, so this will not be the last new appointment.

“It has been quite a traumatic first three months since I joined CCD, but we have a clear strategy of what we would like to do. We are going to be aggressive in the future.”

Earlier this year, CCD chief executive John Joslin took over the managing directorship of the distributor following the departure of former head Mike Jones (CRN, 10 April). CCD was also reported as experiencing a “disappointing year” in Computacenter’s fiscal year 2005 results (CRN, 20 March).

However, Mike Norris, chief executive of Computacenter, told CRN that CCD was an “important part of the overall business”.

“CCD still adds to the overall profitability of the Group and we are currently changing its emphasis to more high-value business,” he said.

Steve Lockie, managing director of C2000, said: “Lee has done a good job and we are sad to see him leave, but this is a great opportunity for him.”

Lockie added that Perkins’ responsibilities will be divided between himself and two other managers until a replacement is found.

CCD chief takes over in management reshuffle