Vendor’s EMEA channel manager set to leave for new position at Symbol Technologies

Check Point’s resellers were rocked last week when EMEA channel manager Viv Francis announced she will be leaving the company in September.

Francis will become UK channel manager at Symbol Technologies from 1 September, but will stay on at Check Point until then to help her replacement with the transition.

Speaking to CRN, Francis said: “I have been at Check Point for nearly three years. We have done a lot with the channel in that time and recruited a whole new set of people.

“It has been a great channel and I like to think we have done a lot to recognise not only the large partners, but also the smaller partners, which is important to me. It is nice to be able to go out on a high.”

However, Francis added that she has reached a point at Check Point where she cannot develop her role any further, so it is time for a change.

“I think I can do with Symbol what I did with Check Point,” she said. “And I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

David Ellis, director of e-security at distributor Computerlinks (formerly Unipalm), said: “I’m very disappointed that Viv is leaving. She is a real channel advocate and always delivered what she promised to partners. She will definitely be missed.”

Ian Kilpatrick, director of distributor Wick Hill Group, said: “It is a shame Viv is going. We worked very well with her and she did a great job. Viv always worked hard on behalf of partners and we have made great progress as a result. She is committed to the channel and I have no doubt she will make a big mark in her new role.”