Baillie, Rust quit Ingram

Ingram Micro Australia MD Kerry Baillie and COO Steve Rust are retiring from the company, deciding to part ways with the big distributor less than 12 months after the acquisition of Tech Pacific.

Baillie, 60, was appointed to the role in January this year and was adamant that after 30 years in the business, he had decided to call it quits.

"This has been under discussion for the last 12 months. I came down here [to Sydney] for two years and I've been here for four. I didn't expect to stay this long," he told CRN, before saying that the integration of Ingram/Tech Pacific was complete.

Baillie was being replaced by Guy Freeland, Ingram's Asia-Pacific CFO, who would "commence his induction" with immediate effect, according to Ingram. "Guy Freeland is the guy for the job," Baillie said.

"It’s all good news, the transition will take place over the next three months," Baillie said. Freeland would officially become managing director by 1 September.

"It's been a great job, I've worked with great people and that's all good but I'm ready to go," Baillie said, who made a staff announcement about his decision on Friday morning. "30 years [in the industry] is probably enough," he said.

He also thanked Ingram customers, vendors and staff for their support while has was head of the company.

Meanwhile, Steve Rust, who was MD at Ingram Micro Australia prior to its US mother company's purchase of Tech Pacific, also announced he would retire.

Over the last four years, Rust made significant contributions in heading up the pre-merger Ingram Micro operation in Australia, turning it towards profitability in 2004, Ingram said.

"Guy has great experience with the company and knowledge of the industry and is the ideal candidate to maintain the company's focus on its mission to be the best IT distributor in Australia," he said.

Ingram Micro Australia MD Kerry Baillie and COO Steve Rust announced they are retiring from the IT industry, deciding to part ways with the big distributor less than 12 months after the acquisition of Tech Pacific.

Baillie, 60, was appointed to the role in January this year and was adamant that after 30 years in the business, he had decided to call it quits.

"This has been under discussion for the last 12 months. I came down here [to Sydney] for two years and I've been here for four. I didn't expect to stay this long,' he told CRN, before saying that the integration of Ingram/Tech Pacific was complete.

Baillie is being replaced by Guy Freeland, Ingram's Asia-Pacific CFO, who would "commence his induction" with immediate effect, according to Ingram. "Guy Freeland is the guy for the job," Baillie said.

"It’s all good news, the transition will take place over the next three months," Baillie said. Freeland would officially become MD by September 1.

Meanwhile, Steve Rust, who was MD at Ingram Micro Australia prior to its US mother company's purchase of Tech Pacific, also announced he would retire.

Over the last four years, Rust made significant contributions in heading up the pre-merger Ingram Micro operation in Australia, turning it towards profitability in 2004, Ingram said.

Ingram Asia-Pacific COO Shailendra Gupta, said: "While understanding their decisions, it remains a fact the company will miss both leaders. Under Kerry's leadership, we have restructured the merged companies to be more efficient, investing in better warehouse facilities and streamlining administration. Guy has great experience with the company and knowledge of the industry and is the ideal candidate to maintain the company's focus on its mission to be the best IT distributor in Australia," he said.