Credit: Winc
Steve Rutter has exited his position as general manager of technology solutions at Winc across Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), after seven months in the role.
Rutter assumed general manager duties in February 2018, replacing Karl Sice who exited the business in September 2017.
"Steve Rutter will work closely with Winc’s Technology Solutions team to ensure a smooth transition," said Jarad Nass, general manager of business solutions at Winc, when speaking to ARN. "We will be looking to find a suitable replacement for this important role in our business as soon as possible."
Rutter joined the provider in May 2016 as the northern region sales manager for technology solutions, before his appointment as business unit general manager seven months ago.
Prior to Winc, Rutter had previously worked with Hewlett Packard Enterprise for several years, holding a range of management roles across the northern region and the wider A/NZ market.
Rutter becomes the second high-profile departure at the business within the space of 12 months, following the exit of Sice almost a year ago.
"After almost six years with the business, Karl has made the decision to look for opportunities outside of Winc and will first take a few months to spend quality time with his family,” a spokesperson for Winc told ARN at the time.
Sice's decision took place soon after the Staples brand name across A/NZ was replaced by Winc, coming roughly five months after private equity investment firm, Platinum Equity, struck a deal to acquire the office supplies and IT services company’s local business.
In March 2017, it was revealed that Platinum Equity had struck a deal to acquire Staple's local business.
The acquisition deal would see Platinum Equity acquire Staples’ A/NZ for an undisclosed sum, with the transaction expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2017.
In August 2017, Staples then rebranded to Winc, with the name change followed by a strategy aimed at focusing on the company’s solutions business.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, the Commerce Commission recently approved Tiri Group as the purchaser for Winc New Zealand, as reported by Reseller News.
Tiri Group is a diverse set of engineering and distribution businesses, which is 85 per cent owned by Rich Lister Tom Sturgess.
In July, the Commission announced it had approved the purchase of Winc by TSPV1, a Tiri subsidiary, resolving competition concerns arising from its owner, Platinum Equity, buying rival stationery and office products firm OfficeMax Australia and New Zealand.
The sale price was not released disclosed.
