Softcat has appointed Graeme Watt to join the Board as Chief Executive after 1 April 2018.
IT infrastructure products and services outfit said that Watt has more than 25 years of experience in the IT distribution industry and is currently Senior Vice President EMEA, Advanced and Specialist Solutions, Tech Data Corporation (“Tech Data”), a position he has held since March 2017.
He was promoted to that role when Avnet’s Technology Solutions business was acquired by Tech Data in early 2017. Prior to that, he was President for Avnet Technology Solutions, EMEA for almost seven years and a member of Avnet’s Global Executive Committee.
Watt previously spent six years at Bell Micro (as President of Global Distribution) and his earlier career included roles at Tech Data (President EMEA) and Computer 2000 (Managing Director UK & Ireland). Graeme Watt is also a qualified accountant (ICAEW).
As previously announced, and effective from the date of Graeme joining Softcat, Martin Hellawell (currently Chief Executive of the Company) will become Non-Executive Chairman and Brian Wallace (currently Non-Executive Chairman) will retire from the Board.
The Board’s decision to appoint Watt follows an extensive search process led by Brian Wallace and Lee Ginsberg (Senior Independent Director) with the assistance of global search firm, Odgers Berndtson.
Brian Wallace, Chairman of Softcat plc, said: “Our extensive search generated an impressive field of candidates and Watt stood out for his extensive knowledge of the sector and the reseller channel as well as his strong leadership skills and delivery of growth in very sizeable business units at Avnet and Tech Data. Equally importantly, he understood and was excited by the dynamic, enthusiastic, people-oriented culture at Softcat and its importance to our Company’s future success. In Graeme, we believe we have found someone who can nurture the best of what we do today with the experience and dynamism to scale and grow the business yet further.”
Watt said: “Softcat is a significant customer of Tech Data and I have therefore seen at close quarters its remarkable growth based on a great team providing outstanding service to a rapidly growing customer base. I look forward to introducing myself to the business, getting to know its people and operations even better and working with everyone to ensure the continued success of Softcat.”
