Serra Leaving Tech Data After 18 Years

Serra said he has no specific plans, but wants to pursue several opportunities that make it difficult to remain with the company.

"There are things my wife and I have talked about trying to do. The timing is right," he said. "I consider myself luckier than most. I was given an opportunity to participate in the building of a world-class powerhouse corporation. I got to work with the best minds in the business, learning, growing and sharing. I should do a MasterCard commercial. My career here at Tech Data has been priceless."

A popular executive with vendors and solution providers, Serra described his departure as an emotional roller coaster.

"I look back with a lot of pride with the accomplishments we've been able to post," he said. "It's been fun, brick by brick. It's time to order a new load by bricks and start building something else."

Serra was vice president of Tech Data's systems business before taking over the networking unit. He helped grow Tech Data's IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq PC sales.

"He helped Tech Data grow into the successful distributor that they are," said Frank Vitagliano, vice president of worldwide global distribution channels at IBM.

At least one longtime Tech Data solution provider was surprised by Serra's sudden departure.

"Joe is a great guy, a class act. He's very well respected in the VAR community," said Dave Gilden, partner at Acuity Solutions, Tampa, Fla. "Most of the resellers that have been with Tech Data over the years have worked with him in multiple roles. It's always sad to see someone of that quality leave any organization. But Tech Data is a good company, I'm sure they have a good plan to fill his shoes."

Bob O'Malley, senior vice president of marketing at Tech Data, e-mailed employees that Serra's last day will be May 20.

"He's been a real positive influence on not just Tech Data, but also on the industry. Joe has a real positive attitude with any challenge he's presented with -- and there are a lot of challenges in this industry," O'Malley said.