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New at the top

Some of the key appointments made recently across the channel. 

Leane Hannigan, Westcon Leane Hannigan, Westcon
Westcon announces new director
Westcon has appointed software industry stalwart Leane Hannigan in the position of software solutions director for its southern African business. Hannigan brings extensive experience of both consumer and enterprise software environments, backed by managerial and distribution knowledge and experience.
 
“We believe that Leane has the breadth of understanding and experience of the software industry that will provide Westcon locally with a resource that will help improve relationships between vendors, strategic reseller partners and where appropriate, end-user customers too. While at the same time gearing us to fully embrace the cloud and what this means for distribution,” states Paul Conradie, CEO at Westcon Group Southern Africa.
 
Fortinet appoints Andre van Zyl
Andre van Zyl, Fortinet Andre van Zyl, Fortinet
Andre van Zyl has been appointed as Fortinet’s new channel accounts manager for southern Africa. In his new role, Van Zyl will grow and reinforce the regional channel organisation and strategy.
 
Based in Pretoria, he will report to Perry Hutton, Fortinet’s regional director for Africa region.
 
With over 20 years’ experience in the local IT sector, Van Zyl was a founding member of eSecure Distribution in 2003. He moved to Axiz as channel accounts manager after AxizWorkgroup acquired eSecure in 2012. With a long history in IT security and distribution, Van Zyl believes the scene is set for significant growth for IT security solutions in the southern African region.
 
Francois van Staden, Westcon Francois van Staden, Westcon
Van Staden takes Psion job
Westcon has appointed Francois van Staden in the capacity of Psion channel manager. Van Staden joins Westcon with extensive experience in logistics analysis and warehouse management in the IT and automation industries. He most recently held positions at Psion Africa and Motorola Solutions. His expertise includes warehouse management and administration, distribution, stock control and performance management.
 
“We believe that Francois’ experience in customer care management will provide him the know-how to develop lasting and valuable bonds within the Psion channel. His extensive dealings in business management will give him the edge when it comes to helping value-added resellers to build flourishing partnerships around the Psion brand,” says Kevin Norton, mobility solutions director at Westcon. 
 
New head of Comstor appointed
Louise Taute, Westcon Louise Taute, Westcon
Louise Taute has been appointed director of the Westcon Group’s Comstor business. Taute started her career in the ICT industry more than 22 years ago and has held executive management positions in marketing and sales as well as strategic accounts management. She has held positions at PQ Africa, Duxbury and Neotel. Her attention to detail, strategic customer focus and ability to develop partnerled business development plans placed her as the ideal candidate for the role. 
 
Sikumbuzo Singo, Comztek Sikumbuzo Singo, Comztek
Singo joins Comztek Africa team
Comztek Africa has appointed Sikumbuzo Singo as the new business development manager for Cisco at Comztek Africa Zambia.
 
Singo joins Comztek Africa Zambia from her position as corporate account manager at MTN Zambia, with several years’ experience in IT and customer service under her belt. She brings with her an intricate understanding of principles of project management and has the ability to advise clients on products and services that will best suit their unique business needs.