News in the Channel - issue #11

PEOPLE NEWS

Panasas appoints Ken Claffey as CEO

Panasas has appointed Ken Claffey as its new chief executive officer. With Ken’s background and expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), cloud and enterprise data storage technologies, the company is poised to seize new market opportunities under his leadership. Ken replaces Tom Shea, who remains on Panasas’ executive leadership team as chief operating officer. “We made the decision to bring Ken in as CEO because we believe Panasas is well- positioned to build on its success over the last few years as it has moved to a software- defined architecture, increased its revenues, and is now ready to take a step function in its growth and scale,” said Andre A. Hakkak, CEO, White Oak Global Advisors, LLC. Ken brings a track record of visionary leadership, transformational change and an astute understanding of the storage industry. With this leadership change, White Oak Global Advisors, LLC has also committed significant incremental funding that will enable Ken and the Panasas team to execute significant business growth. Prior to joining Panasas, Ken was senior vice president and general manager of enterprise systems business at Seagate Technology, where he consistently demonstrated a customer-centric approach

while driving substantial revenue growth and operational efficiency. Ken’s focus on fostering collaborative global teams, continual investment in product innovation and commitment to operational excellence will be instrumental in solidifying Panasas’ position as a leader in the HPC and AI storage landscape. “I am honoured to join Panasas at this exciting juncture,” said Ken. “The company's unique core parallel file system data storage technology is central to enabling the secular growth of HPC and AI. These areas are driving the increasing need for the performance, scalability, and ease of use that is uniquely inherent to the Panasas PanFS® software platform. I am committed to capitalising on this momentum by spearheading a strategic agenda that improves software portability and enhances performance and ecosystem integration to fuel revenue growth. I am confident that Panasas will emerge as a preeminent leader in the HPC and AI storage realm.”

Ken Claffey chief executive officer

panasas.com

Sony Professional Displays and Solutions Europe appoints European sales director

Sony has appointed a new European sales director, Henrik Breda, who will be responsible for the continuous development of Sony’s distribution and channel partners while implementing and further optimising the Professional Display and Solutions European mid-term sales strategy for B2B segments like retail, transport, corporate and education. Henrik already has an extensive career in sales, with more than 20 years of experience in the sector in various leadership roles. With his vast comprehension of the sales industry, he has the knowledge and experience to be able to lead, build and drive forward Sony’s high performing sales team. “Being able to work for such a recognisable brand as Sony is an ideal place to be able to

further promote and strengthen my knowledge in sales,” said Henrik. “Furthermore, to join Professional Displays and Solutions Europe at such a pivotal time, being aware of Sony’s vision and growth plans in this industry, is an exciting opportunity to contribute with my skills and expertise. I’m looking forward to joining a committed and enthusiastic team who will drive the business forward.” Head of Professional Displays and Solutions, Rik Willemse, added: “In addition to Henrik’s extensive experience in the role and industry, his personality and drive is just what the company needs to advance the PD&S division to the next level. His library of knowledge on sales and the industry is highly sort after and imperative in our continued growth journey.”

Henrik Breda European sales director

pro.sony