Gilroy Bids Team Adieu In E-mail

Kevin Gilroy, former vice president and general manager of Hewlett-Packard's Solution Partners Organization (SPO), surprised channel partners earlier this week when he left his post to join the company's SMB organization. In an e-mail letter to his team, he said the SPO is strong and will be in good hands as it makes the transition to new leadership. The text of the e-mail, obtained by , follows.

Dear SPO Friends,

As many of you may have already heard, I have accepted a position as SVP of SMB WW Operations reporting to Peter Blackmore. In addition to the timing being admittedly less than ideal, the decision to leave SPO was a difficult one from a variety of perspectives--but none more difficult than leaving you, the team.

As I have traveled around the Americas, I have been humbled by the dedication and commitment I have seen from you day in and day out. Despite body blow after body blow from external and internal forces, you continue to persevere, continue to break through difficult barriers, deal with tremendous stress, etc. The results speak for themselves, with five sequential quarters of growth and a program architecture designed for the long-term success of SPO.

I did make my decision based on the fact that the SPO management team is rock solid and can clearly and seamlessly run this $9 billion-plus operation without me. They are a seasoned group who know the fights to fight, the opportunities to attack and, most importantly, how to let you all do your job that you are so very capable at. Management is indeed an art, and the SPO management team--while each painting with their own style, brush, palate, etc.--are the best in the business.

Scott Anderson, my colleague and friend for so many years, has graciously agreed to be the acting VP of SPO-Americas, and this will clearly make the transition that much easier. He knows the business cold, and believe me when I tell you that in many ways he has been managing SPO as my adviser, voice of the people, voice of reason, etc. I know you will give Scott the respect and responsiveness that you have always given me. I will also be around helping Scott and Mike Larson through the transition and through the backfill for my position. Feel free to reach out to me at any time. Scott will be hosting an all-hands call in the near future, and I will ask Scott for some time to speak with you once again and go through our recent VOW results.

As for me, I am excited about joining the WW team and the SMB segment. Admittedly, it will feel a bit odd as a die-hard channel guy managing both direct and indirect at SMB Ops. We will see how that goes! You and our partners can count on it that I will evangelize and advocate the market-capturing power, the still-untapped potential, the economic strengths and the SPO team of the 'Americas Channel.'

Thanks again for your support and dedication to excellence.

Be assured of my sincerity and respect,

Kevin