Dell appoints SMB channel director

Dell has created and appointed a dedicated small business channel director and a channel manager for its New Zealand business after what it claimed was a strong 12 months for its channel business. 

Jay Turner (pictured), an eight-year veteran of Dell with previous experience in distribution, was appointed to the role of Australia and New Zealand director of channels.

Turner, who worked at Tech Pacific before it merged with Ingram Micro in 2004, said his background will help him help resellers take advantage of the "logistical marketing infrastructure that Dell has to help new business."

"We've had a very strong 12 months or so in the PartnerDirect program [launched in 2008] and this new role that I'm moving into is probably a proof point that it's working well for us.

"I don't think we'd be investing in this role if we hadn't been seeing a really strong performance with our partnerships."

Turner said Dell's Vostro SMB laptop product line - which was revamped last year - had proven popular with partners. He said Dell's server range had enjoyed similar successes.

"There's a broad range available to our channel partners and I think that's why we've had a solid 12 months," said Turner.

Driving NZ growth

Meanwhile, Dell has appointed a channel manager for its New Zealand business. Turner said New Zealand has "done very well and is an area that Dell wanted to invest in further. 

James Arnold, who assumed the role, spent the past seven years working with Lenovo and IBM in Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand.

Arnold will oversee the expansion of Dell partnerships in New Zealand.

More hires coming

Turner said Dell was also hiring sales and technical staff.

He also said he was "happy" to increase the number of reseller partners across the region, as long as there was benefit for all parties involved.

Rob Makin, channel strategy and acquisition manager, will continue to look after government and large enterprise partners."

Furthermore, Cath Hodgson-Croker joins Dell to take leadership of the marketing and brand teams responsible for tailored technology solutions and customer intimacy for small and medium business.