Klein back on scene with Steljes

Julian Klein, former managing director of Computer 2000 (C2000), has resurfaced in the channel as the managing director for Steljes’ reseller division, Steljes Trade.

Following the audiovisual distributor’s restructure last month, (CRN, 1 August), when the company split into four separate companies, Steljes has been recruiting managing directors for each new division. Klein is the first of the new managing directors to be appointed.

Martin Large, chief executive of Steljes Group, said: “Julian is a formidable figure and his skills in motivating organisations, transforming sales teams, and building the strongest channel relationships are at the heart of Steljes’ vision.”

Channel veteran Klein resigned from the managing director role at C2000 in 2003 and he said he has been doing consultancy work for Bell Microproducts in the interim.

“I’ve been around the channel for some time and have worked directly and indirectly with many vendors and resellers. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in the channel. Although C2000 was a different size to Steljes, I’ve seen all the different challenges a company faces when trying to grow and I can help Steljes make the most of the opportunities available to it,” he said.

Jon Sidwick, managing director of rival distributor Maverick, said: “The Steljes reorganisation has been extremely ambitious, however I am sure Julian will contribute to the challenge of dealing with the new structure.

“Distribution of audiovisual hardware is following the declining

margin environment of IT, which means all channel players have to

look at their cost model and the amount of value they contribute

to the channel.

“All distributors will have to continue to evolve if they are to maintain market share and profitability. It will be interesting to see if the restructure at Steljes will achieve this.”

laura_hailstone@vnu.co.uk