Robert Cavan
Career so far: I joined Redstone Managed Solutions in April 2008, bringing with me a proven track record of driving profitable revenue growth and improved operational performance. My corporate executive experience includes international and senior management roles with BT, Infonet, Cap Gemini, Global One and Dun & Bradstreet. I would say my most enjoyable and challenging learning experiences have been with the startups I have been involved with, such as Via Networks and 118800 - in addition to my current role, of course.
If you could be anyone for a week, who would you be and what would you do? Sir Alex Ferguson, leading Manchester United to win the Champions League.
What would you have as your last meal? A king prawn vindaloo, washed down with a refreshing Cobra beer or two.
What is the best corporate jolly you have ever been on/taken partners on? The last Redstone Managed Solutions Christmas party in Stoke-on-Trent. The survivors are still being found.
Do you see the cloud as a threat or an opportunity? I see the cloud as an exciting opportunity for our business and consumers of cloud products. As a leading security provider, business ISP and provider of wide area networks, we are already developing solutions that enable our customers to embrace the benefits of this type of delivery while mitigating the performance and security considerations.
Have any of your predictions come true this year? Yes, the Scottish Football Team beat Liechtenstein at Hampden Park. On a business note, growth in the security market exceeded our expectations and we look forward to an exciting year ahead.
What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2011? I believe that one of the channel's biggest challenges is collectively trying to minimise the ‘cost-plus' tactics deployed by some of our competitors. We need to ensure that where a reseller is focused on deploying value-added services, the vendor supports the solution provider.
Deal registration goes some way towards this, but a more personal approach on understanding the customer relationship is always appreciated. Fortunately, our key vendors support us in this approach.
What is the best part of your day? The beginning.