NTT, Tech Data, IBM: Surprising Leadership Changes Across EMEA Channel

2022 has already seen a flurry of leadership changes in the EMEA channel.

NTT’s Miriam Murphy

First up, Tech Data veteran Miriam Murphy is leaving the distributor to take over as CEO of NTT Europe.

From next month, Murphy will report into NTT global CEO Abhijit Dubey. She will seek to drive NTT’s European sales and business development organisations and extend customer partnerships.

Dubey said Murphy’s regional and technology expertise will bring immediate value to the company and its customers.

“Her experience in business transformation and integration at scale, including go-to-market strategies and workforce enablement, will support our customers and ecosystem at a time of great change,” said Dubey. “Miriam has worked and lived across Europe, giving her extensive insights and experience into customer challenges, cultural variations across the region, and opportunities. Adding Miriam to our team will supercharge our efforts in Europe.”

A ‘Milestone’ Decision

Murphy was a member of Tech Data’s European Executive Board and served as SVP, advanced and specialized solutions business, EMEA. She spent four years with the business, preceded by 18 years with Avnet TS prior to its acquisition by Tech Data.

She described the decision to leave Tech Data as “a milestone day for me”. After “many incredible adventures” the decision “was not taken lightly. But there is a new adventure in my future,” she added.

“TD Synnex has become a leader in technology distribution across the globe and the adventure is far from over. The talent and commitment of advanced and specialised solutions teams is extraordinary, and it has been a pleasure to lead them through the last four years of their journey.”

Boxall Steps Into Tech Data Role

Tech Data’s Jason Boxall

Succeeding Murphy is Jason Boxall. Murphy described him “a tremendous ally”. She said he is “a leader of great integrity and insight”.

She said Boxall “has built relationships across the organisation and beyond that will ensure the business continues to stride from strength to strength.”

Boxall joined Tech Data in 2016 as European head of its Cisco business before advancing to the role of VP, vendors and alliances, Europe. Previously, Boxall served for 19 years at Cisco, holding a number of channel-focused positions including head of European distribution.

New IBM Leadership in EMEA Channel, Too

Meanwhile, at IBM, Ana Paula Assis has been appointed general manager for EMEA. She succeeds Marta Martínez Alonso, who is retiring from IBM after 19 years.

IBM’s Ana Paula Assis

Assis will be responsible for business operations, driving revenue growth, client satisfaction and employee engagement in a region that includes more than 100 countries.

Rob Thomas, SVP, IBM global sales, said Assis “combines outstanding business eminence and IT industry depth with a relentless focus on talent and diversity development”.

He added that “she had a pivotal role in securing a flawless experience for our clients during the IBM/Kyndryl spinoff.”

In her 25 years with IBM, Assis has fulfilled several executive roles, including general manager for the Latin American region.

Finally, another big departure just announced is Cisco UK&I channel chief Angela Whitty. After almost 29 years with the vendor, Whitty has been named CEO of Cisco partner Ampito Group.