Exertis has announced that Kevin Kelly is stepping down as president & CEO of Exertis North America, effective June 30, 2021.
According to Clive Fitzharris, managing director of Exertis International, current Exertis North America chief commercial officer John Dunne will become managing director of the North American business, effective July 1, 2021. John has 30 years of experience in the industry. He was managing director of the highly successful Exertis business in Ireland for 10 years prior to moving to North America as chief commercial officer for Exertis in 2019.
“Through his leadership, determination, and hard work, Kevin built Stampede, the company he joined in 2001 and purchased in 2004, into one of the largest and most successful specialist Pro AV business in the world, which he then sold to the DCC Technology Group in 2018,” says Fitzharris. “Since then, Kevin has worked with us to further expand the company’s leadership position with the launch of the Mobile Living and Enterprise business units and the acquisition of JB&A, the largest specialist distributor of broadcast and post-production solutions in North America. He leaves a legacy that he can be truly proud of — fantastic people, long-term partner relationships, and a winning mindset that is totally customer focused.”
In naming him the new managing director of Exertis North America, Fitzharris stresses that John Dunne’s knowledge of the wider Exertis enterprise globally will serve North American vendor and reseller partners well going forward. “John brings a truly global, multi-specialist market focus to the position that will result in even more success for our partners,” he says. “So, while we say a very fond farewell to Kevin, we go forward into the future confident of our future success. Kevin and John will work closely together until June 30 to ensure a smooth transition.”
Commenting on his promotion, Dunne notes, “I am extremely excited to lead this very successful growing and expanding business unit. Over the last two years I have come to know many of our vendor and reseller partners and now, as managing director, I look forward to strengthening and growing these important relationships further. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with Kevin and, as such, I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us.”
As for the next chapter in his life, Kelly notes, “I am excited to see how it will unfold, and I plan to give it time to develop. I have the luxury to enjoy a refresh period, to reconnect with friends and family, and discover new parts of the world. It will certainly be an adventure!
“Stampeders are the strongest, smartest, most experienced, and most capable team in the business, and they are positioned to soar even higher to greater success going forward. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to lead this team on a journey where we always rode ahead of the herd and met every challenge that life and business threw at us.”
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