Datrontech applies the Mack factor

Former Ilion managing director Allan Mack has resurfaced in the channel after a two-month absence to join ex-Frontline colleague Mark Mulford as commercial director at Datrontech.

Mack joined Datrontech on 23 September and will be reporting directly to chief executive Mark Mulford. Mulford said: 'In the short term, Allan will helping on a year-end push for company business. He will also be working with Neil Ledger, managing director of Data Connectivity.'

According to Ledger, Mack's primary role within Data Connectivity will be to 'beef up' its vendor portfolio. He added: 'Allan has a knowledge of the industry so we will be meeting to discuss opportunities and which companies we should be talking to.'

Mack said: 'I am looking forward to working with people from the past who I know and trust.'

However, one source claimed one of the main reasons for Mack's appointment was to boost the distributor's management structure: 'Datrontech's management line-up has not been that strong up until this point. It needs to have more senior people in there.'

Mack officially left Ilion in July after one year. Wayne Channon, chairman and chief executive of Ilion, said at the time that the two had suffered from 'differing aspirations over the future direction and focus of the UK sales efforts and business activities.' (PC Dealer, 8 July).

After joining Ilion last year, Mack was subject to an unsuccessful High Court battle with Computer 2000, which asked for the former joint managing director to be restrained from working at a rival company for a specified period.

However, it is understood that Ilion will not be looking for compensation after the two sides reached an amicable agreement last week.

Mulford said: 'Allan could have gone to a vendor but it is a different sort of life. Distribution is unique and I know that he thrives on a challenge.

I'm glad to have him around.'