Apay Obang-Oyway

CRN staff
21 November 2016

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Director, Ingram Micro Cloud, Northern Europe

What is your greatest career move to date?

Establishing the Cloud Business Unit at Ingram Micro.

What is top of your bucket list?

Take a flight to the moon.

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

The advent of cloud, mobile and social is forcing much change within vendors, distributors and technology delivery partners. There are dramatic shifts taking place in strategy and business models as we are now experiencing the most changeable time in the market, certainly in the last 15 years since I have been working in the industry. For our reseller partners, the change from capex-focused IT environments to consumption-based business is a huge change. The change for the end user is such a big opportunity. Cloud has enabled SMEs to have access to enterprise-grade capabilities at a fraction of the price. Exciting times.

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

It is too early to articulate this definitively. However, one thing is for certain: the channel has always and will continue to adapt to new realities ensuring that it makes a success of the environment within which it operates.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

Nothing as I really truly enjoy everything I do every day as I am always learning. However, if pushed I would say business travel to and from the airport as I hate the unproductive time between checking in and taking off. I can't wait for the Star Trek "Transporter" to become a reality.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A lion - strong, leader, fearless irrespective of the challenge. And yet majestic and respected in approach.

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

Invest big in Tesla. I would also buy a ticket on the first Virgin Galatic flight to the moon and maybe book a holiday to Necker Island.

What is your worst habit?

I always forget to eat as I am consumed in my day.

How has 2016 been for you? Great. However, it has also been tougher than the year before. There are so many changes within the market, technology and landscape to adapt to - it constantly keeps us thinking which is always good.

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

An airline pilot. It was a dream of mine while growing up. I was accepted to flying school but changed my decision when I found out they did not have a hockey team. It's funny to say I am now selling cloud instead of flying through it.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

Constant change is a part of our lives. The channel must adapt and look at new ways of adding value to business. The macro environment is also challenging with political uncertainty driven by Brexit and global relations.