HPE bets on Ireland with new channel lead and partner programme

The programme aims to inspire HPE’s partnerships in Ireland and close the talent gap with more local employees

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has launched a fresh Ireland partner programme alongside a new channel lead for the region.

HPE said the programme aims to "reinvigorate" its partnerships in Ireland and is centred on strategic investment to support partner growth.

The move is underpinned by the appointment of Heather Walls as the new Ireland channel leader, effective 1 February.

Walls has worked at HPE for more than ten years having joined as a graduate in 2012.

She will join the local Irish leadership team whilst continuing to report into the UK & Ireland channel director, Lewis Simmonds.

"For us at HPE, our channel partners are a core driver for the overall business, including our HPE GreenLake strategy," said Walls.

"My top priorities will be to strengthen the relationship with our Irish partners, find out how we can better support them and help them reach new markets and unlock new revenue streams.

"With an over 90 per cent increase in HPE GreenLake sales through Ireland channel partners in just the last quarter, we are particularly excited to see that this strategy is working."

Ray McGann, HPE's Ireland managing director, added: "When I started as Ireland managing director, I made it my primary goal to cement HPE's position as a trusted partner, helping Irish customers and partners to boost satisfaction and drive growth.

"As the Ireland channel manager, Heather will play a critical role in achieving this goal for our partners and I'm looking forward to welcoming her to our office in Leixlip."

HPE focusing on new Irish talent

Part of its Irish expansion will see HPE focus on closing the talent gap and rear new staff.

Building on the knowledge gained through her role leading the HPE early careers sales programme, Walls will play a role in this by supporting HPE Ireland's investment in local talent to grow the channel team.

"We're a partner first organisation, with a majority of our business going through channel. To continue our success, we need to prioritise the promotion of top talent with a partner first mindset." said Simmonds.

"By bringing more resources to the Irish Channel, HPE and our partners can really take advantage of the opportunity in front of us to lead and be the vendor of choice."