Channel welcomes French return
UK distribution is getting "siloed and stale", according to new Azlan boss
French: We have the chance to create new opportunities
Rival distributors have welcomed the return of Ian French to the fold, but some have challenged his claims of becoming the first converged infrastructure distributor in the UK.
Channel stalwart French was unveiled last week as the new strategic development director of Computer 2000 (C2000)-owned Azlan.
Incumbent Azlan director Andrew Shepperd is leaving to “pursue other interests”.
French revealed Azlan aims to become the first UK distribution player to offer converged infrastructure and move away from a traditional distribution model.
“We have been looking at Azlan and what we can do to accelerate growth in the enterprise space,” French said. “We believe we will be the first UK distributor to offer converged infrastructure. Distribution is getting very siloed and stale, but we have the chance to create new opportunities.”
Andy Gass, managing director of C2000, said French’s appointment would take the business to the next level. “The Azlan business has been doing well, but there is still a lot of untapped potential. Ian knows how to grow out an enterprise business.”
Graeme Watt, president of worldwide distribution at rival Bell Micro, said: “There is a lot of change at Computer 2000. I don’t fully comprehend [why], but I think they have lost a good talent in Andrew Shepperd.”
Laura Harman, business unit director at Avnet Technology Solutions, said Avnet has been focusing on converged solutions for some time. “It is positive to see broadline distribution adopting a solutions-based model.”
Alex Tatham, sales and marketing director at Westcoast, said: “Ian has a lot of experience. It will be interesting to see how he drives his plans forward. I’m sure he will do well.”