Mark Evans

CRN Staff
21 November 2016

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Transformation director, Intercity Technology

What is your greatest career move to date?

I've always enjoyed the challenge that a new role brings when the opportunity to change or progress my career has arisen. My most recent role change, following the acquisition of Imerja by Intercity Technology, has been to the role of transformation director - not a role I had ever anticipated on my career path, but one that I am thoroughly enjoying.

What is top of your bucket list?

I have always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands.

What has changed most since you started working in the channel?

Many of the smaller distributors we have worked with over the years have become part of larger organisations - that can lead to stronger and more productive relationships, but sometimes the opposite happens. Change is a constant in our industry, and I believe those that have remained loyal and supportive in their business relationships during challenging times are well placed to jointly reap the benefits as new opportunities arise.

How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?

Based on experience to date, not very much. Customers still need the solutions and services we offer, and should financial or other challenges present themselves - perceived or actual - I believe it merely offers an opportunity for companies to be innovative and up their game, helping to raise standards across the board.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

When it's my turn to do the tea round on a day when the office is full (although bizarrely, I am generally about to take a very important phone call at the time people want a cuppa).

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A kangaroo - who doesn't like kangaroos?

If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?

Take my family on that trip to the Galapagos Islands and then visit Australia to see kangaroos.

What is your worst habit?

Avoiding a response to a question I'd rather not answer...

How has 2016 been for you?

It's been a really good year - both at work and at home. Intercity has a really exciting vision and commitment towards future growth, and a genuine desire to use technology to help make a difference to people's lives - I am enjoying the task of helping the business transform to create the environment that will enable it to deliver on this. On a personal front, moving into a new family home at the start of the year has provided me with a garage which my three sons have been helping to transform into a ‘man cave' complete with TV, drinks fridge and dart board. I just need to get the pool table in.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?

I would love to be a travel writer. My passport is my favourite book as it's the one that enables me to travel - to have the time to capture and share experiences of visiting new places and meeting new people would be a wonderful job. Perhaps I'll become a travel blogger in retirement.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

Understanding how the abundance of technology solutions can be effectively harnessed to deliver what customers want - which in itself can change as rapidly as the technology we sell to them. We've only hit the tip of the iceberg in regards to mobilisation and its potential to change our lives, and while many point products and services are exciting in their proposition, being able to combine these into sensible service packages will help to differentiate the winners and losers in the supply chain. It's hard to imagine what things will be like 10 years from now, and resellers that can address opportunities in vertical markets today are likely to gain a competitive advantage, enabling them to carve a niche for themselves moving forwards.