Citrix Systems’ Chris Nixon is set to leave the company and join NetApp on June 2 in a newly created role as the distribution sales manager.
Nixon, who spent more than six years as the Citrix A/NZ distribution and channel marketing manager, is no stranger to the channel and has a wealth of experience in the ICT industry, according to NetApp general manager, A/NZ channels and enablement, Neville James, who knows Nixon well after working with him at Citrix for two years.
"Up until now we have had no dedicated resource developing our distribution channel," James told ARN. "Chris has worked in distribution and in managing distribution. He eats, sleeps and breathes it so he is the best person to take on this new role."
James said Nixon is tasked with market development, working with and identifying opportunities with distributors, building up a strong tier 2 channel and working with medium enterprise; as well as developing a strong sales cadence; and acting as a company presenter and spokesperson in delivering the technical and business messages.
"We are not tight at understanding and building a pipeline with the tier 2 channel," James said. "We need to be engaging with distribution partners, with the BDMs and with the channel sales people."
Prior to Citrix, Nixon worked one year as the NSW major account manager at Security Mail. He has also held roles at Network Box Australia as the NSW major account manager and as the northern region channel manager.
His portfolio also includes one year at Ingram Micro as the networking business unit manager, four years as the product manager at LAN Systems, and as a sales analyst at Communique Direct.
Nixon's appointment comes on the heels of NetApp's announcement of its intention to meet with other distributors (in addition to its long-time partner Distribution Central) in order to review its go-to-market strategy.
James acknowledged the company is going through an RFP process in a bid to determine where distribution is advantageous, identify the value proposition and the benefits and opportunities it brings to the table.
Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Nixon to leave Citrix, joins NetApp in newly created channel role
"Chris gets the economics of distribution - he is the right person for the job."
