IBM flounders as Voller heads for Netscape UK

IBM?s sales strategy was left in disarray last week after it emerged that UK channel manager Steve Voller had left the manufacturer to head Netscape.

Voller joined IBM in 1995 for the second time and masterminded IBM?s channel strategy in the UK. Prior to joining IBM he was managing director of distributor Macro Micro.

An IBM representative confirmed Voller?s departure but was unable to say who would replace him. He admitted it would be hard to replace Voller.

His departure comes at a time when there are concerns that the old guard at IBM are preventing the channel staff at the manufacturer from doing their job (PC Dealer, 12 March).

Commenting on working at IBM, Voller said: ?In some ways it?s like walking through treacle?. But he refused to confirm suggestions that there were internal wrangles at IBM.

Voller is now on gardening leave until 7 April when he will take up the post as MD of Netscape UK.

?We?ve currently got 23 people in Netscape?s Hayes office, but I?m looking to expand it to 40,? he said.