Croisdale Joins Hayes To Head Euro Offensive

The company has appointed the former Fujitsu man to direct its planned expansion into Europe

Fujitsu veteran Nigel Croisdale has joined Hayes Microcomputer Products as director of Europe as the firm looks to increase its presence in the consumer and telecoms markets.

Croisdale was employed at Fujitsu Group for 19 years, his last role being VP of customer service at Fujitsu Europe. He was instrumental in spearheading Fujitsu ICL?s entrance into the retail channel during 1995 and signed up a number of retailers, including Toys R Us.

Commenting on his Hayes appointment, Croisdale said: ?The main message will be one of growth. What attracted me about this market is that it?s going through strong growth with the advent of 56Kbps speeds. The PC industry is becoming very consumer driven.?

He added that Hayes wanted to form additional channel alliances in the UK and Europe: ?ISPs and telcos will all provide channel partner opportunities. But I don?t envisage any reduction of the strong and loyal channel we currently have.?

Croisdale insisted that Hayes would invest in recruiting and supporting corporate systems integrators and Vars. But he said the company?s two-tier distribution model would remain unchanged. Hayes products are supplied through Frontline, Northamber, CHS Electronics and Persona.

Croisdale?s appointment follows the recent appointments of Joe Formichelli as president and CEO, Marshall Toplansky as VP of marketing and Keith Mintzer as VP of international sales. With Croisdale now on board, Hayes has completed its senior management team.

In a recent statement, Formichelli said it was vital for Hayes to expand into Europe, which is why it was keen to take on Croisdale.