Claire Vyvyan to replace Tim Griffin as Dell EMC UK boss as new exec line-up unveiled
Updated: Sarah Shields to lead combined channel business following exec reshuffle, source says
Dell EMC has finalised its new executive line-up, which will see former Dell VP Claire Vyvyan (pictured above) take over from departing UK boss Tim Griffin, and Sarah Shields run the combined UK channel.
In an email sent to partners, seen by CRN, Dell EMC unveiled its new UK executive team - seven of eight of whom came from the Dell business. Dell EMC was not immediately available to confirm or comment on the contents of the email.
Former Dell channel leader Sarah Shields (pictured right) will take over responsibility for the combined Dell EMC channel business in the UK, the email said. CRN understands that Kevin Sparks, who ran the EMC channel business prior to the merger, will continue to work at the firm in a supporting role, although Dell EMC was not immediately available to confirm this.
The email continued that Richard Rawcliffe will run Dell's public sector business; Paul Harrison will take responsibility for the large commercial business; the medium business unit will be headed by John Gunning; while Ishbell MacPhail will take over the acquisitions arm of the firm. Aisling Keegan will take charge of the commercial business in Ireland and continue with integration efforts, while Martin Brown will run the datacentre sales arm.
Seven of the eight execs running the Dell EMC business originally came from Dell, save for Brown, who has been at EMC since 2008 and most recently ran its Scottish business.
Rumours of top dog Griffin's departure have been swirling over the last few months, and CRN understands he is due to leave the company at the end of the year, ahead of Vyvyan taking over in February. At the moment, Vyvyan lists her job as vice president for enterprise solution group at Dell on her LinkedIn page. Dell EMC was not immediately available to confirm this move either.
Update
Following first publication, Dell EMC responded to CRN with a comment.
On Shields' appointment, Dell EMC's EMEA channel boss Michael Collins said:
"Our channel programme has grown exponentially under Sarah's leadership. Not only have we seen an increase in partner satisfaction but there has also been a significant growth in the amount of revenue we generate through our channel partners. The UK and Ireland are important strategic markets and Sarah will ensure that we are building long term, profitable partnerships with our channel organisations."
Regarding Griffin's departure, Dell EMC said in a statement:
"We can confirm that Tim Griffin has decided to explore a new career path outside of the company. Tim will remain fully engaged through the end of January and assist with transition to Claire Vyvyan, who will assume the role as senior vice president and general manager for the Dell EMC commercial business in the UK and Ireland."