We all know in the channel that the proverbial often happens. And like all other channel players, when it does, we do our absolute best to rectify any problem.
In this, our 30th anniversary issue, we wanted to include the memories of as many channel veterans as we could.
And, even though the magazine was two pages from going to the printer when we received a late response from Syntech’s Ryan Martyn, we still wanted his memories to be shared.
So, it might not be included among the pics in the main feature, Ryan, but we’ve managed to include your submission:
Years involved with the channel: 24 years.
Best memory: The day Craig Nowitz joined Syntech as a shareholder – we have been close partners ever since.
Worst memory: When we discovered a product defect in a batch of portable power stations and decided to initiate a voluntary product recall.
What’s the most dramatic change you’ve seen in the channel: The widespread adoption of ecommerce several years back gave consumers a lot more choice and the ability to make more informed decisions (it probably also eroded margins). This forced the channel to find ways of adding more value or risk becoming redundant. I believe that the number of resellers in the channel has reduced as a result, but those that have adapted to provide specialist services, or operate in niche markets, have made the channel stronger.
Cisco veteran announces retirement
After 30 years, David Meads, Cisco senior vice-president Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Romania & CIS, has announced that he’s retiring from the company at the end of July. He will be succeeded by another Cisco veteran Shane Heraty. Many in the local channel will know David well – not just in his present position, but from as far back as 2010 when he was appointed MD of Cisco South Africa. Deep Throat certainly has some fond memories. From South Africa, David steadily moved up the Cisco corporate ladder, moving on from vice-president Africa and vice-president MEA through to CEO of its UK and Ireland operations to his present position. As he said in an eloquent announcement on LinkedIn, it’s been an “incredible journey”, but he’s “looking forward to more time with my family, friends and the next chapter of life’s adventures and opportunities.”
David, Deep Throat swallows … loadsa beer! … and hopes those adventures and opportunities are everything you wish for!
‘Institution’ departs from Axiz
We got a bit of a jolt when one of our little twitterazzi gave us the news that Patrick Reeves had resigned from his position as managing executive of Axiz. So much so, that we actually didn’t believe our normally reliable source until we confirmed it with someone close to the situation. Patrick has been with Axiz for nearly 30 years and could be considered an institution at the company. We can still well remember Anthony Fitzhenry introducing us to this fresh-faced bunch of youngsters at the old Axiz offices all those decades ago – Patrick, Craig Brunsden, Brian Clarke … and we cemented relationships that last to this day by getting Anthony to unlock the upstairs bar (under the pyramid)! A rare occasion back then, apparently. Word on the strasse, as old mucker Mike Magee would say, is that Patrick won’t be lost to the distribution channel. After a bit of a sabbatical, we’re reliably informed, he may well return to one of Axiz’s sister companies in the Alviva group. We’ll keep you informed of developments, Dear Reader.
In the meantime, Patrick, Deep Throat swallows … more beer! … wishes you everything of the best and looks forward to those beers in person in the very near future!