Mark Ridley, formerly of IBM and Microsoft, has been appointed as regional director for Africa at data management firm NetApp.
Ridley will be responsible for development and execution of sales as well as marketing strategies and will aim to enhance the ecosystem and build NetApp’s customer base on the continent.
“With many markets emerging and maturing at a fast pace, the African continent offers a very interesting playing field. I am confident that NetApp’s solutions hold tremendous value for partners and end-customers such as telecommunications, utility or commodity companies and service providers,” said Ridley.
Ridley has more than 15 years of experience and has also worked at Panasonic.
He added: “Our approach in Africa is 100 per cent indirect and we will rely heavily on our partners to execute. This includes distribution and integration, but also high value opportunities such as consulting and professional services. I am looking forward to working with them to grow NetApp’s presence on the continent.”
