News in the Channel - Issue #6

PEOPLE MOVES

Couchbase announces new vice president

Cloud database platform company Couchbase, Inc has announced Robert Ekstrom as vice president, Europe. Robert will be responsible for sales growth and revenue generation across the region. Robert brings more than 20 years of global experience to the role and will closely support customers as they innovate their modern applications. He specialises in driving commercial success across the key sales- supporting areas of businesses and heading up key regional divisions. He joins from integration service provider Workato and previously held senior roles at ServiceNow and Dell EMC. Couchbase is also expanding its commitment in the region by growing its Manchester-based facility to provide more support for global customers. The Manchester workspace now totals more than 10,000 sq ft. Over the past year, Couchbase has grown headcount in the UK by more than 30%, with over 50% based at the Manchester office including core teams across engineering, support, business development, product

management and more. “The pressure on organisations throughout Europe to continuously innovate with modern applications and support digital transformation journeys for their customers will not subside any time soon,” said Huw Owen, chief revenue officer at Couchbase. “I’m thrilled that with our new vice president for the region, Robert, and a deeper investment in Manchester, Couchbase is primed to provide even more innovation and support for customers. “Robert’s vision for the European market, alongside his expertise and regional knowledge, makes him an ideal fit for Couchbase.” Robert added: “I’m excited to join Couchbase and support some of the world’s leading companies with our Couchbase Capella™ Database-as-a-Service. The requirement for powerful and cost-efficient databases has never been more prominent. As more organisations look for cloud- based, managed services, Couchbase is well positioned to deliver this next phase of implementation.”

Robert Ekstrom vice president

couchbase.com

Sony Professional Displays and Solutions appoints Rik Willemse

Sony Europe B.V. has appointed a new head of Professional Displays and Solutions, Rik Willemse, as part of a new era for the business. Rik was previously head of sales for Professional Displays and Solutions Europe and has a 20-year history within the company in various marketing, sales, business development and regional management roles. “Sony is one of the most recognisable brands in the world, and its professional displays offering is one of the best on the market,” said Rik. “The AV industry is moving into a new era of change where manufacturers are not only providing products for customers, but also integrating with software and complementing hardware partners to create connected experiences for all. I’m excited to further cement our position as the preferred partner for solutions and partnerships, to help drive the continued growth of the business group and development of innovative solutions across our well-established markets including

corporate, education and retail. “Working in the Professional Displays and Solutions team, I’ve seen how dedicated everyone is. It is a huge privilege to head up a team of industry-leading experts with a history of success and a great deal of passion. With such a great team behind me, I’m sure there will be plenty more years of success ahead!” The appointment comes as part of wider management changes within Sony Europe, including the introduction of a new Sony Europe President, Masashi Takiguchi. Damien Weissenburger, outgoing Head of Professional Displays and Solutions, after 12 years in the role will head up Sony Europe’s Specialised B2B Business unit. “This is an exciting time for Professional Displays and Solutions, Rik is perfectly placed to guide the team forward in its continued and growing success,” said Damien. “Personally, I’m excited to lead Sony’s Life Science and Image Sensing Solutions businesses and continue its expansion with a highly knowledgeable and professional team.”

Rik Willemse head of professional displays and solutions

pro.sony