Exclusive: Former Arrow exec takes the helms of cybersecurity VAD

John Dams reveals to CRN what attracted him to his new role at One Distribution and what the channel can expect from his leadership

Former Arrow security boss John Dams has taken the reins as general manager of cybersecurity VAD One Distribution.

One Distribution counts Cyren and Flashpoint among its vendor partners. It was formed last year by serial channel entrepreneur Frank Richmond, who will be stepping down as managing director into a non-executive director role but will remain on the board.

Dams held senior roles at Computerlinks, which was acquired by Arrow in 2014. He went on to become MD for security and networking for the UK&I at the distie before leaving last year.

Dams left Arrow to pursue new challenges - which included a six-month stint at startup QuantumSine - and said that the opportunity offered by One Distribution allowed him to get back on the ground floor of a growing company, as well providing a niche in an "oversaturated" market.

"There's been a lot of consolidation within the vendors, partners and distribution space and I believe there is an oversaturation in the market," he told CRN.

"There's a need to for a cybersecurity specialist distributor to still give the vendors and partners that value-added support that's needed to help drive their business forward, and I felt One Distribution was the perfect fit for me.

"I've always wanted to be a part of building something again; when I started off at Computerlinks we grew that business and I wanted to get involved in doing that again, and I've always believed in running a people-focused business."

Richmond's decision to move into a non-exec role has always been part of the VAD's strategy, according to Dams (pictured right), who added that he will still be working closely with the VAD's founder.

"I think it's going according to his plans, hence me being brought on board to take it to the next level now," the new GM said.

"Our plan is to be the number one cybersecurity specialist in the UK and Ireland.

"It's been a great step to get to where we are today, but to take it to the next level, I think Frank was happy to get myself on board and, with my experience, I can help achieve those goals."

The VAD currently has offices in London, Shelford and Duxford and a headcount of over 20, which Dams has plans to grow as well as expanding its vendor partner portfolio.

"We have a very strong team at One Distribution, a great blend of direct sales and channel experience and our strong relationships in the partner community," he stated.

"I'd like the industry to view One Distribution as the go-to specialist distributor for cybersecurity products.

"You will see us making much more of a splash within the market. Where we are at the moment was done really well for the time we've been going, but it's now time to take it to the next level."