Total Computers nabs Kelway man to improve vendor relations

Former Kelway executive Simon Ashall joins in new role as head of vendor management

VAR Total Computer Networks says it has grown large enough to warrant having a head of vendor management, and has poached an executive from Kelway to fill the new role.

The Kettering-based reseller, which saw turnover double to £44.1m between 2012 and 2014, has enlisted the services of Simon Ashall (pictured) to spearhead its vendor relations.

He previously led a vendor team at Kelway, which was recently acquired by US juggernaut CDW, and also held roles at distributors ETC and CCD.

"We have grown significantly over the past four years and as a result we are now an important partner to several major vendors and, as our growth continues, a key development partner for many more," said Aidan Groom, joint managing director at Total.

"We need to have a more proactive and mature approach to managing and developing relationships with our principal partners than has hitherto been possible, and Simon has the knowledge and experience to do that."

Ashall claimed Total has the potential to be a top-20 UK VAR.

"I've only heard good things about Total from the vendors I speak to, and that - combined with it being an agile, growing, UK-owned business - really appealed to me," Ashall said.