Harris Tech, Anyware boss to take over Shoply after merger

Shoply chief executive Vaughan Clark has retired after just two months in the role.

It comes two weeks after the online retailer announced plans to merge with IT distributor Anyware Technologies and another online retailer Harris Technology.

After the merger is completed, Shoply intends to appoint Anyware and Harris chief executive Garrison Huang as the new managing director of the combined company.

Huang became the managing director of Anyware when his business partner Victor Lee sold his shares to focus on online retailer Mwave.

Huang then become chief executive of Harris when Anyware acquired the business from Officeworks in 2015.

He told CRN he would be working closely with the Shoply board of directors to implement change within the new business.

"We are focusing on issues on cash flow, customer satisfaction and ROI of all marketing activities right now," said Huang. "Shoply’s business is strategically positioned to take advantage of the future growth in the e-commerce businesses in Australia. I look forward to delivering shareholder value in the coming years."

Vaughan Clark joined Shoply in 2014 as general manager responsible for the online tech division and online marketing. He was promoted to chief operating officer in April 2015 and chief executive in February 2016.

He will be replaced by interim chief executive and current chairman Andrew Plympton until the merger is complete.

Shoply announced the merger on 3 March, creating a company with an expected combined annual revenue of approximately $76 million.

The ASX-listed company’s other brands include electronics retail stores Warcom and eStore, which was previously run by City Software boss Lorenzo Coppa and acquired by Shoply last year for $1.8 million.

The merger is expected to be completed in May.