New Daisy CEO Muller points to IT and comms convergence

Neil Muller discusses what attracted him to his upcoming post, and how he intends to make Daisy 'the clear market leader' in the SMB and mid-market space

Convergence is the watchword for incoming Daisy chief executive Neil Muller, as he aims to make the company the "clear market leader" in the SMB and mid-market comms and IT space.

The Lancashire-headquartered firm announced this week that the new leader will be joining in February, with current CEO and founder Matthew Riley moving into a post as executive chairman. Muller (pictured) arrives from the UK managing director role at Computacenter, which confirmed his departure after more than two decades with the business last month. Muller told CRN that the convergence of IT and telecommunications was one of his new job's most appealing aspects.

"Most compelling for me about this role is that the once-separate worlds of telecoms and IT are converging," he explained. "That convergence is driving a change in customer buying behaviour. Coupled with the fact it is a brand new market for me, I felt it was a great opportunity to make a difference and really become a clear market leader in that SME and mid-market space."

Muller stressed the importance of moving to a role where he would in no way compete with his current employer, adding that he leaves Computacenter for Daisy with "a combination of an extremely heavy heart and very real excitement".

"I love the organisation and its people, and cannot speak highly enough about it; I have played a part in building the culture, and I could never consider competing against Computacenter," he said. "If, in the fullness of time, I can work with Computacenter – fantastic. But this is a completely different marketplace."

The new Daisy CEO explained that he will work closely with his predecessor to continue to augment the company's IT and telecoms expertise via "a build, buy, and partner approach."

"Our whole approach and development of capability will be in line with market requirements and customer needs," said Muller. "We will enhance and develop the organisation through a combination of building on what we have got; adding new capability where required; and successfully integrating new skills."