Network Group chairman brings 15-year tenure to a close

Wayne Cockerill steps down to focus on IT and software companies

Wayne Cockerill is to step down from his position as chairman of Network Group, bringing to an end his 15-year spell at the channel community organisation.

In an announcement today, Cockerill (pictured) said he will leave the group at the end of May, having presided over a spell that has seen its membership grow to 70 UK IT organisations ,with a combined turnover of £400m.

"It has been a great honour and a privilege to have led this organisation for all these years and to have had such a close and intense collaboration with those I have had the pleasure to work with," Cockerill said.

"The fantastic relationship I have developed with the members, our vendors and distributors has been magnificent but also humbling.

"Of all my professional experiences, this has certainly been one of the most enriching and challenging to date.

"It is time for someone else to experience that same honour in leading the group, while I will have great pride as I watch it grow from strength to strength, knowing the key part I have played."

Cockerill is stepping down to focus more on his own IT and software businesses, the announcement said.

Network Group's managing director Phyl Morgan added: "This is a significant announcement for all at Network Group.

"Wayne has played a huge, vital and pivotal role in building the group to its present position and establishing it as the channel's leading technology community and most productive networking group in the history of the industry.

"His contribution to the group and our channel will resonate for many years."