Poole jumps into EMC channel hot seat

EMC veteran to head up the firm's UK channel as well as public sector and service provider arms

EMC has appointed Russell Poole as its new head of channel for the UK and Ireland (UKI).

Poole - who has worked at EMC for 15 years - takes over from former channel leader Terry Beale, who left in June to lead the vendor's all-flash array business across EMEA.

On top of his new channel remit, Poole will continue to lead both the public sector and service provider teams at the vendor, which he has done since 2011.

EMC is in the midst of a global channel overhaul ahead of the introduction of its divisive Business Partner Programme next January. The new scheme involves huge sales thresholds which has pleased some larger partners but put a flurry of SMB channel players off working with the firm.

Last week the vendor defended the programme and said it was only interested in working with firms which are totally dedicated to EMC.

EMC's UKI managing director James Petter said partners' growth will be a priority for Poole.

"Russell has done a phenomenal job at EMC already," he said. "With significant shifts taking place in the market, his expertise will be crucial in ensuring our channel and partners continue to grow and become more profitable."