VARs Chime In On Tech Data&'s CEO Search

Raymund announced last week that he plans to step down as CEO after a successor is chosen, likely within four to six months, but will retain the chairman title of the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor.

“He&'s done a phenomenal job. Tech Data has done a tremendous amount of work broadening the amount of products through the channel and making sure the big [vendors] continue to see the value of the channel,” said Audrey Levi, president and owner of Altek Consulting Group, Miami.

Bob Parsons, president of Automated Office Solutions, Evansville, Ind., said Tech Data needs to ensure that its next CEO understands the SMB market.

“The Tech Datas of the world need to understand what small businesses go through. [Hewlett-Packard] doesn&'t make any money selling to guys like me. But there are enough of us that you need to understand what we go through.”

Raymund is very knowledgable of his customers, Parsons said. “A lot of people talk before you are finished saying what you want to say. He listened completely and decided what action needed to be taken. He was very empathetic to our needs. He understood where we were coming from and what we were looking for,” he said.

Raymund said he is stepping down because he wants to “downshift” after 25 years with the company. “My major motivation is personal. My youngest kid is going to college next year. Having recently completed my 50th birthday and my 25th year here, the time seems [right],” he said.

Tech Data has hired executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to work with the board to find a new CEO, Raymund said.

Whoever is selected will come to Tech Data knowing that Raymund still will have an active voice within the company and in the channel. He said he does want any major changes under a new CEO. Internal candidates, including Nestor Cano, president and worldwide COO, will be considered, Raymund said.

Cano has been quiet the past several months in the United States. He reportedly has spent his time trying to improve Tech Data&'s European operations, said sources close to the company.

Tech Data&'s hiring of an outside firm indicates the board is seeking someone outside the company, said Brian Alexander, vice president of equity research, technology distribution, at Raymond James and Associates.

“[Raymund] leaves the company in good hands. We&'ll have to see who the successor is,” he said.

Raymund also will retain his title as chairman of the Global Technology Distribution Council, said GTDC CEO Tim Curran, a former vice president at Tech Data.