Avnet security boss heads for exit

Long-serving executive Phil Soane steps down 'to pursue an alternative direction outside distribution'

Avnet has confirmed the departure of its director of networking and security business Phil Soane, as he sets off on an "alternative direction outside distribution".

The distributor did not reveal where this new direction is, but one source told CRN he believes Soane is heading to a vendor.

Christian Curtis, sales director at Avnet Technology Solutions UK, thanked Soane for his time at the distributor.

"After 11 years Phil Soane will be leaving Avnet to pursue an alternative direction outside distribution. During his tenure Phil has delivered huge value to Avnet and he will depart with our best wishes. He will remain in the business for the next couple of months as we recruit a replacement for his role," Curtis said in a statement.

Prior to his position as head of networking and security, Soane was IBM sales manager at the distributor.

He moved into the post last March after erstwhile network and security director Carl Berry left Avnet for Fortinet.

Paul Fuller, sales and marketing director at VAR R-Com, who previously worked with Soane at Avnet, said Soane was an asset to the channel.

"Phil is very well thought of and in the last two or three years he has climbed up the ladder quite well. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't like Phil. He is a very popular, very tenacious and a genuine really good guy in the industry," Fuller said.