Forget Moonpig: Joe Hemani gets birthday message from HP CEO

Dion Weisler sends Westcoast founder a 70th birthday video message

You've probably received numerous personalised birthday messages from friends and family via Moonpig or Funky Pigeon, but have you ever received a personal birthday video from the president and CEO of HP Inc?

Well, Westcoast founder and chairman Joe Hemani (pictured) has.

HP Inc CEO Dion Weisler recorded a personal message to Hemani to celebrate the Westcoast boss's 70th birthday, celebrating both Hemani's personal milestone and the 33-year relationship between the two firms.

Westcoast, which turned over £1.4bn in its last fiscal year, started life importing HP computers from the West Coast of America in the mid-1980s. Hemani's wealth was estimated at £84m in The Sunday Times 2008 Rich List.

"As I look across our businesses at all the mutually beneficial relationships and deals that we've won, I couldn't be more humbled and honoured to count you as both partner and a friend," Weisler said.

"Ever since that first printer order back in 1983 - I was still in high school - your team's impact on our mutual customers has grown exponentially, as has your revenue and your business.

"Over the last three decades we estimate that you and your team have shipped more than £13bn of HP personal systems and printing technology - that's no small feat and a testament to our relationship."

It has been a busy year for Westcoast, with the Reading-based distributor co-founding an EMEA distribution alliance and expanding in Spain via a joint venture.

Alex Tatham, managing director at Westcoast, told CRN: "It's incredibly kind of Dion to spend some time putting a film together to say that to Joe and to Westcoast.

"Joe is one of Britain's great entrepreneurs, and his spirit and drive permeate both his management team and the rest of the business.

"We are extremely proud to be where we are and we're very excited about where we're going."