Fist-pumping NetApp CEO makes first partner address
George Kurian records video for partners after he faced criticism for his absence at channel gathering
NetApp's new chief executive has made his first address to partners in the form of a video message after the company faced criticism for his not attending a partner event in person.
Geroge Kurian (pictured) was appointed to the top role last week and before the announcement was made, he had planned to attend the Warsaw Partner Executive Forum, NetApp said. But his new CEO duties kept him away.
NetApp apologised for Kurian's absence when the issue was raised in a media Q&A session yesterday and said the suggestion for him to record a video message was "good feedback". A day later, the video formed part of NetApp president Rob Salmon's keynote.
"George could not join us this week," Salmon said. "He was going to be here until the change of last Monday. There are CEO commitments that could not change. I heard from a couple of you, 'if he couldn't be here, for goodness' sake, at a minimum, he could be here by video or you could have him do a video for us'. I think that was very good feedback – so let's roll that video."
In the prerecorded address, Kurian said partners are a key part of his strategy.
"Thank you for investing your time in being here this week at the Partner Executive Forum," he said. "I am sorry I couldn't be there this week, but I wanted to take this opportunity to express my thanks for your partnership and the business we generate together. Partnerships are more important than ever in helping customers navigate the changing IT landscape and I am really excited to be part of the NetApp team in this new role.
"Together with our partners, we do extraordinary things with customers and over our 20-plus year history, we have trusted-adviser status with thousands of customers across the world. I am excited by the leadership role we can play together. I am also excited about the NetApp team – this is an extraordinary team which pulls together to do great things for customers, partners, our communities and for each other."
After the video ended, Salmon promised partners would get to meet Kurian soon.
"If you've not met him yet, you will meet him," he said. "And you're going to get fired up! When he's talking to you in person, he does a fair amount of fist pumps and karate chops – most of the NetApp team knows what I'm talking about."