Avnet Technology Solutions has handed pan-European roles to two of the directors it inherited through last year’s acquisition of Anglo-Irish distributor Horizon.

Former Horizon technical director Wayne Gratton has been appointed to the new post of director of unified communications EMEA. Meanwhile, former Horizon director of Independent Software, Mickey Barat, has been promoted to director of independent software EMEA.

Avnet said the duo would help bolster two high-growth technology segments across EMEA.

The double promotion comes 15 months after US-based distribution heavyweight Avnet bought London- and Dublin-listed counterpart Horizon for €98.5m.

Gratton’s role will encompass fixed and mobile telephony, video conferencing, email, IM and voice messaging. Barat will now oversee Avnet’s partnerships with the likes of Oracle, Novell, Plate Spin, Virtual Iron and Lanamark across the continent.

The pair will report into senior vice president, product business group Avnet Technology Solutions EMEA Gary Coburn – who was formerly chief executive of Horizon.

Dick Borsboom, president of Avnet Technology Solutions EMEA, said: "Both the unified communications and independent software technology markets are poised for high growth. By increasing our focus on these technology segments at the regional level, Avnet Technology Solutions aims to accelerate profitable growth opportunities for our business partners across EMEA.”

Borsboom added: “Wayne and Mickey have extensive experience in the European IT industry and will leverage their skills and knowledge to develop multi-vendor solutions that can create a competitive advantage for our IT channel partners.”