Exertis today announced that Kevin Kelly is stepping down as president and CEO of Exertis North America, effective June 30.
Exertis North America chief commercial officer John Dunne will become managing director of the North American business, effective July 1, according to Clive Fitzharris, managing director of Exertis International.
Dunne has 30 years of experience in the industry. He was managing director of the Exertis business in Ireland for 10 years prior to moving to North America as chief commercial officer for Exertis in 2019.
Related: Exertis Announces Spring 2021 Virtual Big Book of AV Dealer Show Dates, Locations
“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,” said Fitzharris.
“Since then, Kevin has worked with us to further expand the company’s leadership position with the launch of theMobile 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 said.
“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,” said Fitzharris.
More About Exertis North America Changes
In naming him the new managing director of Exertis North America, Fitzharris stressed 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 said. “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,” said Fitzharris.
“I am extremely excited to lead this very successful growing and expanding business unit,” said Dunne. “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,” he said.
“I am excited to see how it will unfold, and I plan to give it time to develop,” said Kelly. “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!
“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,” he said.
