Computacenter's Walsh to run new Colt unit

Simon Walsh has been tasked with growing voice and data firm's new end-user focused Enterprise Services arm

Telecoms firm Colt has enlisted former Computacenter managing director Simon Walsh (pictured) to spearhead its new Enterprise Services arm.

As revealed by CRN last month, Walsh is leaving Computacenter this month after 17 years with the UK's largest corporate reseller and will join Colt in February.

Colt's Enterprise Services arm was unveiled two months ago when the London-listed firm announced a major re-organisation of its business.

One of three customer-facing units under Colt's new structure, Enterprise Services will integrate the activities of the firm's existing Managed Services and Major Enterprise divisions. It will focus on direct selling of product and services to large enterprises.

Colt emphasised that Walsh brings considerable managed services experience to the table.

Colt chief executive Rakesh Bhasin said: "Simon Walsh is a significant figure in the IT industry and demonstrates our commitment and focus on offering enterprises a unique and integrated IT experience. He brings a wealth of experience to our senior leadership team and a proven track record in business transformation".

Colt is not far off Computacenter's size, turning over £1.62bn last year to Computacenter's £2.5bn.

Data services generated 49 per cent of Colt's total revenues in 2009, with voice contributing 41 per cent and managed services ten per cent.

Colt said it would take an exceptional charge of £35m-£40m relating to the recent re-organisation.

The two other customer-facing units are Colt Communication Services, which integrates Colt's existing Wholesale and Midsize business divisions and will focus on indirect channels; and Colt Data Center Services, which will focus on selling large-scale data centre space to large enterprises.