PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
THE UK arm of Ingram Micro, the world’s largest IT distributor, has promoted Michael Farrah to the position of acting commercial director following the departure of 18-year veteran and key industry figure Bhavesh Patel, who leaves today.
Patel was responsible for vendor category management, marketing and e-commerce in the UK. The former head of category for printers, peripherals, displays, AV and mobility, will take over Patel’s duties with immediate effect, for the short to medium term.
It is understood that Patel is not planning on veering too far from the IT industry.
Patel oversaw a number of new channel initiatives during his tenure at the firm, most recently a program called Credit Builder, which allows resellers to build their credit facilities up to £100,000 over a 12 month period.
Ingram Micro UK MD Julian Klein told us: “We had to think long and hard about replacing to Bhavesh – obviously they were some big shoes to fill over the many years he’s been with us at Ingram Micro.
“Mike Farrah’s been with us for ten year’s now – he’s one of Bhavesh’s direct reports, and he’ll be taking on the majority of his roles from the beginning of February. This gives us some time to figure out the best way for us to replace Bhavesh.”
Patel added: “I’m open- minded about my future direction and have very much enjoyed working with some great people across the UK, Europe and the Asia Pacific regions over the years with Ingram Micro. Part of the journey for me has always been the ability to take on new challenges, and I look forward to whatever challenge may come up next.”
