Sources: HP Taps Former Verizon Terremark CEO As New Enterprise Channel Chief
Hewlett-Packard, as part of its efforts to raise its profile in the cloud computing market, has appointed a new channel chief with a background in helping partners make the transition to selling cloud services.
HP has tapped Kerry Bailey, senior vice president of HP Cloud, as its new channel chief, Antonio Neri, executive vice president and general manager of HP Enterprise, said in an email to employees Thursday, which was viewed by CRN.
Bailey's new role includes leadership of HP's worldwide indirect sales -- including channel and distribution -- as well as its OEM relationships and joint projects with HP Enterprise Services. HP is also giving Bailey oversight of its worldwide service provider business, said Neri in the email.
[Related: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Steps Up Security Offensive, Appoints Channel Veteran To Head Unit]
"Kerry is a proven leader with a terrific track record and will add even more winning characteristics and skills to our partner ecosystem," Neri said in the email. "His cloud heritage will greatly enhance our ability to move our partner ecosystem to the New Style of IT."
HP spokespeople weren't immediately available for comment.
Bailey joined HP in October 2013 after six years at Verizon, where he spent more than two years as president and CEO of Terremark, the cloud infrastructure-as-a-service vendor Verizon acquired for $1.4 billion in 2011.
Bailey takes over for Sue Barsamian, the popular former HP channel chief, whom HP appointed to lead its security software business in August. While partners told CRN they'll miss Barsamian's partner advocacy, they're encouraged to see HP appoint a cloud industry veteran to the role.
"Kerry has done a tremendous job building and going to market with a high-value portfolio of cloud products and solutions under the HP Helion brand," said Mike Vencel, executive vice president at Comport Consulting, a Ramsey, N.J.-based HP partner, referring to HP's OpenStack cloud software portfolio.
During his time at HP, Bailey has helped HP partners transition from the traditional reseller model to cloud services, including the mix and match of private and public infrastructure known as hybrid cloud, Vencel said.
"Kerry is the right guy at the right time to lead the partner community through this transformation. As a channel partner transforming our business to cloud," said Vencel, "we are thrilled to have him in this new role."
Iain Mobberley, chief technologist at OCSL, a London-based HP partner, told CRN that Bailey brings strong leadership and channel support, as well as deep knowledge of issues that partners face in making the transition to cloud.
"Kerry’s experience ensures he understands that transformation for the HP channel requires some caution around the shift in business models, and that needs managing carefully," Mobberley said in an email.
HP is in the midst of splitting into two separate into two companies, one focused on enterprise software and hardware, the other on PCs and printers. The split is expected to be complete Nov. 1.
PUBLISHED SEPT. 25, 2015