Chris Richardson Email and Phone Number

At First Distribution our product focus is on our portfolio of leading global brands extending across multiple categories within the greater IT industry, as represented by our Stack. These include Client Computing, Hosted Solutions, Cyber Security, Software, Virtualisation, Storage, Servers, Networking and our very own cloud services brokerage, First for Cloud.As General Manager of Cloud below are my core functions:-Managing the performance of each cloud employee across the continent -Sustaining current market position and growing market share with each of our vendors-Creating business plans to support the company’s financial objectives.-Supporting sales teams and key account managers in retention of existing clients and service delivery-Defining long-term strategic goals and developing clear plans to implement them across all cloud brands-Improving internal processes and partner platforms, ensuring employees work as a cohesive unit and supply our customers with value added services-Anticipate client needs and develop solutions to meet those needs.

As the CipherWave BDM I am responsible for a diverse portfolio be it new opportunity or existing growth plans. Over seeing the day to day sales and operations as well as enabling the capabilities of our staff as well as our partners to transition our customers to the cloud or to make their IT pains disappear with the use of CipherCloud.•Prospect for potential new clients and turn this into increased business•Plan approaches and pitches•Build relationships with new clients •Present new products and services and enhance existing relationships•Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met by the sales team •Track and record activity on accounts and help to close deals to meet these targets•Identify opportunities for campaigns, products and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales•Present to and consult with mid and senior level management on business trends with a view to developing new products, services and distribution channels•Attend industry functions, and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends•Work with image licensing sales teams and other internal colleagues to meet customer needs

Driving Microsoft Cloud Strategy through Partners involves several key initiatives and actions to enhance the cloud ecosystem. Let’s break down the essential components:Grow the Business and Activate the Channel: The focus is on leading with the cloud. This means driving adoption of cloud solutions and services among partners and customers.1.Increase Hosted SaaS Offerings: Within the Microsoft Stack, the goal is to expand the availability of Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings through partners. This ensures a broader range of cloud-based solutions for end-users.2.Strengthen Key Partner Relationships: Building strong relationships with partners is crucial. These partnerships enable collaborative efforts, joint ventures, and mutual growth.3.Recruit Competitive Linux Hosters: Identifying and bringing Linux hosters into the Microsoft Web Platform ecosystem. This move aims to diversify the platform and attract a wider audience.Drive Technical Adoption and Marketing & Licensing Engagements: Encouraging partners to adopt Microsoft technologies and promote them effectively. This includes marketing campaigns, licensing agreements, and technical training.4.Revenue Generation and Upselling: Partners play a pivotal role in driving revenue. By influencing Microsoft product sales, partners contribute to the overall success of the ecosystem.5.Business Plans and Conditions of Satisfaction (COS): Creating clear business plans and defining conditions for successful collaboration. COS ensures alignment and mutual understanding.6.Partner Readiness: Ensuring that partners are well-prepared for product launches, licensing changes, and other updates. This readiness aligns with the subsidiary’s goals and objectives.

Responsible for looking after commercial accounts the responsibilities involves driving the Microsoft business through partners such as Datacentrix, First Technologies and Dimention Data. I generate revenue through the sales of Volume licenses agreements (Enterprise, Select and Open) to the end client, which are forecasted on a monthly and quarterly basis. We are responsible for the overall satisfaction of the Microsoft clients, all data quality and compete wins against competitors such as Salesforce, Oracle and Google.

My positions responsibilities involved growing relationships and selling products to SMB partners such as Introstat, Simply IT, Neo Technologies. In addition responding to tenders in conjunction with the relevant partner. I developed a greater knowledge for infrastructure and hardware technologies during my time at Tarsus. Below are some of the products I was involved with.• HP Servers, Home Pc’s and printers• Dell Servers, Home Pc’s and servers• Cisco switches• Acer Home Pc’s and Server• Samsung Notebooks• IBM and Lenovo