Computerlinks UK founder heads through Arrow exit doors

Mark Norman, who led MBO of Unipalm in 1996, understood to be retiring

Computerlinks UK doyen Mark Norman has called time on his illustrious career in the channel following the distributor's acquisition by Arrow, according to industry whispers.

CRN understands Norman (pictured) has stepped down from the non-executive director post he was handed in the wake of Computerlinks' acquisition by Arrow last autumn and has retired from the industry.

Norman effectively co-founded Computerlinks UK in 1996 when he relaunched Unipalm through a management buyout of UUNET/MFS/Worldcom. Having established itself as a distributor for Check Point just as the firewall market was booming, Unipalm sold up to Computerlinks in 2000 and rebranded under the Computerlinks moniker in 2006.

Norman, who is now based in the US, remained chief operating officer of Computerlinks and served on its board until its €230m (£184m) acquisition by global distribution giant Arrow last October.

Arrow was unavailable for comment.