Disties shuffle key management posts
Changes at Ingram and Tech Data reflect market optimism
It was all change again in the roller coaster world of distribution last week as two major distributors announced senior management shifts.
Broadliner Ingram Micro promoted European president Greg Spierkel to the post of corporate president, focusing on Europe and Asia-Pacific.
He will be joint corporate president with Kevin Murai, who was promoted to handle North and Latin America.
Hans Koppen will take over the European presidency role, after four years as president of Ingram's Asia-Pacific region.
Speaking to CRN, Spierkel said he would be working very closely with his new colleagues. "We will be working as a team to drive business forward on a global basis and continue with the momentum created by our profitable growth.
"Things are looking good for the coming quarter and we want to capture as much of that as possible," he said.
Spierkel said Ingram will focus on boom areas such as convergence, consumer electronics, mobility and digital cameras. The distributor will also look closely at logistics and fulfilment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Tech Data said Steve Lockie, managing director of its United Arab Emirates division, will return to the UK in June to head Computer 2000.
He fills the gap left last year by Julian Klein, although no replacement has yet been named for Graeme Watt, who resigned as president of Tech Data's European operation last year.
This position is believed to be under consideration, with an announcement due in April.
Lockie said: "I am looking to clarify our vision and strategy, and re-energise the business. Distribution has had a tough time in Europe but there are signs of recovery and it looks like there will be an upturn."
He added that the movement in distribution is a sign that the general IT climate is improving.
Paul Barlow, managing director of VAR Equanet, said: "In the short term these changes won't have an effect as it takes time for the new people to get their feet under the table.
"But changes often bring new ideas and initiatives that benefit resellers."