HP Networking lines up new UK boss

Hardware giant rumoured to have found a replacement for outgoing UK and Ireland boss Barry Bonnett

HP Networking is rumoured to have found a replacement for outgoing UK and Ireland boss Barry Bonnett, ChannelWeb understands.

According to channel sources, the hardware giant has lined up John Ansell, a sales manager in the hardware giant's HP Enterprise Servers, Storage and Networking Group, as Bonnett's replacement.

However, at the time of writing, details were sketchy as to whether or not Ansell's alleged new role will be an interim or permanent appointment.

Ansell's profile on the LinkedIn social networking site states he was appointed sales director at HP Networking in September.

Meanwhile, reports began to circulate late last month that Bonnett was set to stand down from HP Networking after a year in the role.

A source told ChannelWeb that Ansell was "well respected and liked at HP", and would be a good fit for the role.

"He is a great guy and has certainly put the time in [with] HP," the source said.

Alex Tatham, sales and marketing director at HP distributor Westcoast, declined to comment on Bonnett's replacement, but hinted they will have some big shoes to fill.

"Barry Bonnett spent a considerable amount of time and effort understanding the channel and its value," said Tatham. "I hope that whoever replaces him gets up to speed quickly on what the channel can bring to HP's ever-growing networking business."

HP was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.