Channel roundup: Who's gone where?

 Time to check in on the moves made over the past few days in the channel. This week as usual there are several executives berthing in new harbours as they look to bring their experience and talents to bear.

Connectus 
The Doncaster based IT and comms specialist has recognised channel talent with the appointment of Roy Shelton, at a time when the firm is poised for growth. The business was formed a year ago with the acquisition of Eximus Solutions and the founders Maurice Lee and Elaine Gellion recently retired. That has given Shelton, who has plenty of channel experience to step into the MD's chair. “I am delighted to have joined Connectus. The business has a great history, diverse customers and with a key strength in connectivity and our own network across Doncaster, the business is well positioned to for growth. This is a really exciting time to be joining the company," he said.

Canon 
The firm has decided that the time is right for a fresh UK and Ireland managing director. Yusuke Mizoguchi has been given the chance to take the helm and strengthen the firm's brand position. He has been with the imaging solutions specialist for a significant length of time and will bring that experience into the latest chapter in his career. He replaces Stephen Bates, Canon UK and Ireland’s former Managing Director, who has left the company to explore new ventures.“Yusuke brings invaluable regional sales experience to the team in the UK and Ireland,” commented Yuichi Ishizuka, President and CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa. “His impressive track record and market knowledge will aid the team in its continued drive for best-in-class services and solutions for our customers and partners in 2019 and beyond.”

NGDATA 
The customer engagement strategy has appointed Doug Gross as CEO with a brief to drive growth in the financial services sector. He starts his position later this week and joins from financial services technology specialists FIS Global, where he was executive director of corporate banking solutions. He brings more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry. “We would like to thank Luc Burgelman, our outgoing CEO, for his contribution to building our reputation as the go-to experts for customer insight,” said Michel Akkermans, chairman of the Board at NGDATA. “We also welcome Doug, who is the best person to extend our international presence. In particular, his experience and extensive network will be critical for our future expansion.”

Twilio 
Chetan Chaudhary has been named as global vice president of partners. He has been with the firm for five years and his fingerprints are already all over the firm's current channel strategy because of his former position as head of channel sales. “Faced with the unexpected search to find a new partner leader this fall, the team evaluated many options,” said George Hu, chief operating officer at Twilio. “We unanimously decided that there is no one in the market better positioned to lead Twilio’s partner team than Chetan. A long-time Twilion and trusted leader, Chetan has built business units from inception to significant size multiple times at Twilio. We are excited for the future success of the partner organisation under his leadership.”

Nextgenaccess 
The wholesale provider of full fibre broadband has named Steven Marshall as chairman. His CV covers more than three decades of experience and he will be bringing the lessons he has learnt over those years to bear as the firm looks to expand its core network in the UK. “There is a major digital connectivity deficit in the UK which needs addressing urgently to drive underlying economic growth. This is recognised by the government and OFCOM who are encouraging investment in this area. Nextgenaccess is delighted to be part of such an important imperative," he said.

Uberall 
The location marketing specialist has hired Norman Rohr to head up global marketing with a brief to help the firm gain growth. His CV includes a spell at Google and he will be looking to work with retailers and food outlets to make sure they can provide customers with more local services. “Some of the world’s biggest and most successful retailers, restaurant chains and services companies rely on Uberall to connect and engage with local customers in a more meaningful and profitable way; it’ll be my mission to help yet more businesses reap these benefits, and drive more customers to their doors," he said.