ALSO Group creates new roles

Distributor giant ALSO is driving forward its transformation with the creation of two new functions that will both report directly to group management. Reiner Schwitzki, who has been spokesman of the management board of ALSO Germany for the last seven years, will be appointed chief process officer (CPO) with immediate effect. At the same time, Hermann Scharl, who has been head of logistics at ALSO Germany for the last 15 years, will become chief logistics officer (CLO). Read full story

iLife strengthens Lulu partnership

Mobile device and accessories brand iLife Digital claims that its Middle East relationship with retailer Lulu is delivering impressive results for the company. Anees Mian, operations director at iLife Digital Technology, said: “We are seeing highest [levels of] device ownership, reflecting a change in consumer demand for premium yet affordable products. Lulu is a trusted retail chain across the Middle East and we are glad to partner with them, helping us expand our reach in the region.” Read full story

Hume to become CEO at Tech Data

Distribution giant Tech Data has announced that Rich Hume, executive VP and COO will become CEO effective June 6, 2018 and has been nominated to join the company’s board of directors. Hume will succeed Bob Dutkowsky, who will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board. Hume joined Tech Data in 2016 as executive VP and COO. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in the creation of the company’s long-term strategy. Read full story

Ingram Micro appointed as Forcepoint VAD in MEA

Ingram Micro has signed a Middle East & Africa (MEA) distribution deal with cybersecurity outfit Forcepoint. Under the terms of the deal, Ingram Micro is authorised to distribute the complete Forcepoint offering in 23 countries across the MEA region including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Malta, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tunisia, the UAE and Yemen. Read full story

Retailer confirmations for DISTREE Russia up 71% year-on-year

Retailer confirmations for this year’s DISTREE Russia tech channel hosted buyer event are up 71% compared to the same point last year. With six weeks to go until this year’s event, the increased level of support from Russia’s main consumer tech retailers, e-tailers and online marketplaces reinforces DISTREE Russia’s position as the leading event for consumer tech brands from around the world looking to launch, build or manage routes-to-market in Russia. Read full feature

DISTREE Events announces new organisation

DISTREE Events has announced new appointments as part of its plan to increase its business agility and increase its value offering to both exhibitors and audiences. DISTREE Events specialises in the planning, organisation, staging and management of ICT & CE hosted buyer channel events and is owned by Infopro Digital. Read full feature