Russell Warne

Experience

• 

  Lan Design

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1999

  Senior Account Manager

  My entry into distribution after 1 year in the reseller tier. Starting as an account manager progressing to the most senior person in a small branch (4 staff), assuming responsibilities for external sales, general channel management and basic reporting. We achieved sales targets with consistency and developed a loyal reseller base around the primary products (3Com, Novell, APC, D-Link). I left to attempt my own business in mobile workforce solutions.

• 

  Acer

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2004

  KZN Regional Representative

  Initially account manager looking after major accounts with good results and strong relationship development. As the branch was rationalised my role developed into a channel management position with some marketing functions until, following a strategic change in Acer globally, I was retained as the KZN territory manager operating on my own in the region. Responsible for all channel management functions, management of local distribution, corporate business development, key corporate account management, regional strategy and reporting to local and European executives. Show less

• 

  Axiz

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2005

  Account Manager

  Although short-lived I found this time at Axiz significant as I started to define some formal methods I believed resulted in success with the channel. My target and KPA performance was good, and we managed a great turnaround with First Technology. I accepted the offer to move to Workgroup as branch manager because the opportunity to develop a team, implement strategies and run with various initiatives was so attractive.

• 

  Workgroup

  Apr 2005 - Aug 2009

  Branch Manager

  Workgroup was a distributor of leading software and hardware brands including Microsoft, Symantec, VMware, EMC, Sun and IBM. I ran a small team and although was responsible for the branch (business reporting, strategy, HR), most day-to-day functions were of a sales management nature. These included managing internal and externals sales teams, channel development and management engagement, setting and meeting budgets, execution of product marketing plans regionally (including marketing communication) and maintaining local vendor relationships. We had excellent results including multi-quarter over-achievement runs. Show less

• 

  Insight Managed Data Services

  Aug 2009 - Feb 2011

  Co-owner

  Providing managed off-site backup solutions for SMEs, I started this business to address a gap in the market and build a service-based company. The business still operates as a service within another managed services business.

• 

  Network Configurations

  Aug 2009 - Feb 2011

  Sales and Marketing Manager

  A focused and visionary managed services business, I was responsible for managing the sales team, growing new business and meeting budget expectations, as well participating in general management functions.

• 

  AxizWorkgroup

  Mar 2011 - Dec 2015

  Branch Manager

  I joined AxizWorkgroup as it became the merged entity between Axiz and Workgroup within the Pinnacle Technology Holdings Group. We managed our way through the merger including difficult regional restructures to become a focused, effective and very profitable company that is highly respected in a tough industry (AxizWorkgroup has won the Channelwise Distributor of the year 4 years in a row including 2014). My responsibilities include setting and managing local budgets (Revenue, Operational costs, Gross and Net Profit, Financial Ratios), reporting to EXCO, aligning branch structure with national business objectives, creating and executing plans across products and markets to achieve revenue and BU expectations, people management including appointments, terminations, KPA management, career path management and basic HR, sales management and team leadership, channel development, customer relationship management and direct engagement with key customers. Show less

• 

  First Distribution

  Jan 2016 - Jul 2018

  Sales and Product Specialist: Amazon Web Services

  Developing a channel for Amazon Web Services within the First for Cloud business. Starting from a zero base with limited structures and complex engagements, I've developed a channel program that includes giving partners immediate access to margin, a funded ITSM toolset to build services around, technical support from solutions architects, facilitated on-boarding, training, community integration and GTM support. That's accelerated the business rapidly and we're growing the team to drive broad-based programs and SMB growth on a ‘recruit, enable, grow’ model as well as further skilling technical support and extending the technical support team. Marketing activities are managed to support reaching and recruiting from this base (webinars, digital campaigns, industry events, outbound call campaigns) as well as accessing new partners through First Distribution sales teams and cross-vendor programs. Show less

• 

  Kaskade.cloud

  Jul 2018 - Jul 2021

  Chief Technology Officer

  Founded Kaskade with an industry veteran and decided to transition to a technical function to manage solution design and delivery. Pursuing professional certification and have enjoyed learning to usesome incredible cloud tech across compute, storage, networking, AI services, CICD, IAM, systems management, etc., whilst troubleshooting, building solutions, and challenging my team.

• 

  DeepGears

  Jul 2021 - Nov 2021

  Senior DevOps Engineer
• 

  Painintheaws

  Aug 2021 - Nov 2021

  Founder

  Helping startups and companies with AWS skills, cost optimisation, best practice alignment, CI/CD deployments and all things AWS. Often fulfilling requirements for best practice alignment that most people hate to spend their time on. Always finding the best solution!

• 

  Amazon Web Services (AWS)

  Nov 2021 - now

  • Enterprise Support Manager

    Jul 2022 - now

  • Technical Account Manager

    Nov 2021 - Jul 2022