The creation of the units provides Westcon’s Collaboration and Cyber Security businesses with specific expert attention and dedicated resource that adds to its existing technical focus. The newly created Go to Market models will complement the strength of existing channels and build on Westcon’s success with its core vendor community and channels.
“Our loyal vendor and channel relationships have excelled in recent years,” said David Grant, Chief Operating Officer, Westcon International. “Now, by investing in expertise to support these areas, we believe we can drive channel business growth by helping partners navigate ongoing industry shifts and seize the opportunity to secure ‘net new’ business.
“The Collaboration market is at an inflection point and we think it’s essential to establish a dedicated business unit with Go to Market specialisation for existing vendors and partners. This will be complemented by additional resources, digital capability and focus on emerging vendors and business models.
“We are also strengthening our Cyber Security business unit through additional resources, establishing new sales teams and increasing Go to Market engagement with a number of emerging and niche security vendors. In order to grow and scale, these solutions require a different engagement and support model. Establishing this Cyber Security focused business unit will allow us to expand our solutions portfolio and offer greater choice and opportunity to our channel partners.”
Effective this month, the new Collaboration & Networking and Cyber Security business units will work with vendor teams and partners to introduce new solutions, secure incremental opportunities and create value through distribution.
“This is an exciting time for Westcon in EMEA,” added Grant. “We see a fast-moving Cyber Security environment. Cloud-based, ‘as a service’ business models are growing in traction. And, through selected vendors, new sales models and our digital platform capability – we’re paving the way for success.
“This creates a scenario where experienced, expert and entrepreneurial value-added distribution will come to the fore. There is immense opportunity, and we believe that Westcon offers a distinct, differentiated proposition to vendors and partners to help them secure it.”
Westcon has named Marianne Nickenig to head the Collaboration & Networking unit.
Nickenig, who previously led Westcon’s Collaboration and Digital Transformation business across DACH and Eastern Europe, said: “In the Collaboration marketplace we see partners and end customers increasingly seeking subscription-based solutions delivered ‘as a service’. This represents a great opportunity for Westcon, creating value for vendors and partners based on our UC experience, know-how and our great customer base.”
Daniel Hurel will head the new Cyber Security & Next Generation Solutions Go to Market unit. Daniel joined Westcon-Comstor in 2001 and has held several leadership roles in Westcon-Comstor’s Security practice.
Commenting on the creation of the new Cyber Security unit, Hurel said: “By giving Cyber Security industry-specialist attention and focus, we seek not only to work ever more closely with existing vendors to drive emerging solutions, but also to create a comprehensive Next Gen Security solutions business stream.”
Westcon also announced changes to its country and cluster leadership in Europe.
Arno Beker, formerly Managing Director, Benelux is named Managing Director, North Cluster, which combines Benelux and Nordics. In addition, Robert Jung, formerly Managing Director Westcon Security DACH will now lead Collaboration, Networking and Cyber Security as Managing Director, DACH Cluster.