DataTec staff run from fusion

DataTec has been hit with a further three staff departures following the South African-based distributor's recent merger with Unity, leaving staff in confusion over job roles.

Jackie Iddon, Northern area manager, and Gary Smith, product manager for Citrix, are both currently working out their notice at DataTec, while Sarah Winstanley, a sales executive at the distributor, has already left.

The departures follow the exit of sales director Tim Goldring, who left the company in January.

John Chapman, managing director at DataTec, said: 'Jackie left because she realised she didn't want to go forward with us when we merged with Unity.' According to Chapman, a staff meeting had taken place on 27 February to clarify their standing in the company. He added: 'These things happen as there is often uncertainty when a merger is undertaken.'

Chapman was reluctant to comment on where the employees were moving to, but did say: 'Both Sarah and Gary have been poached by another distributor, but Jackie has not informed me where she is going next.'

He added: 'Companies are coming into the UK and looking to steal good people.' Chapman said there would be no more staff departures.

The merger is due to be completed on 1 June - instead of in April as originally anticipated. Richard Chilver, currently managing director of Unity, has been named to head up the distributing business.

Within the merged company, Chapman will take on the running of an emerging technology division which will deal with niche vendors including Wyse and Citrix.

Tim Goldring, former sales director at DataTec, said: 'Unity distributes for the larger vendors like Bay and 3Com whereas DataTec deals with the smaller players - this is going to overwhelm the organisation.'