Ingram?s Gretton tunes into wireless

Bill Gretton, Ingram Micro?s former UK managing director, has shunned the traditional computer industry after he was appointed European MD of wireless communications developer Brightpoint.

Talking to PC Dealer, Gretton confirmed his appointment as Brightpoint European MD with responsibility for sales and marketing in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Brightpoint specialises in providing distribution and value-added logistics services to the wireless communications industry. The company facilitates the supply of wireless handsets and related accessories from manufacturers to network operators, agents, resellers, dealers and retailers in the wireless industry.

Gretton?s quick departure in April surprised the industry. At the time he left Ingram Micro there were suggestions of personality clashes and poor sales (PC Dealer, 23 April).

Refusing to comment on why he left Ingram, Gretton said there were parallels to be drawn between the wireless and the computer industries, because opportunities for considerable growth existed in both areas. However, he pointed out that in the wireless industry, the channel is not as well segmented as in the computer industry.

?This is a very rapidly changing market in terms of technology. It is newer than the computer industry and the growth is more explosive,? said Gretton.

He admitted that he did not think he would return to the computer industry, claiming that working at Brightpoint was ?very exciting?.

Brightpoint?s second quarter results, ended 30 June, saw sales jumping 84 per cent to $220 million and a net income of $4.9 million.