Shepherd joins Entatech flock

Former CMS Computers and Acer exec takes up head of retail position at distributor

Alicia Shepherd is set to join Entatech next month as the firm looks to grow its retail business.

Starting as head of retail on 1 February, Shepherd, who has also worked as head of retail at VIP Computers and UK channel manager for Acer, is set to finish a stint as head of retail at system builder CMS Computers this week.

"I am excited to be working with Dave Stevinson [who took over the Entatech reins last year], who I have known for almost 17 years and he does business in a unique way," she told CRN. "He is definitely the gentleman of business."

Shepherd (pictured) declined to comment on the firm's current situation of being pursued by the liquidator of Changtel, a former subsidiary of Enta UK that was wound up in June following a long-running dispute with HMRC.

She added that her role would be to oversee the growth of Entatech's retail business and ensure the distributor explores new opportunities with existing vendor partners and retail customers as well as bringing new ones on board.

"Dave wants a team around him that just gets on with it and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in. I have enjoyed my time at CMS and it has been a great opportunity and allowed me to learn a lot, but it is only now that I realise how much I have missed distribution.

"My challenge now is how to retain current customers and vendors, and also go out there and develop new relationships with new vendors and roll that out to new retail customers. I have not felt this excited for a long time."

Commenting on Shepherd's appointment, Stevinson said: "Alicia brings expertise, relationships and a deep understanding of the UK retail landscape. I have worked with her for over 17 years in various capacities; customer, competitor, supplier and colleague - I have always been a big fan and am delighted to be reunited again."