Kevin Kelly is stepping down as President and CEO of Exertis North America, effective June 30.
According to Clive Fitzharris, Managing Director of Exertis International, current Exertis North America CCO John Dunne will become Managing Director of the North American business, effective July 1. Dunne has 30 years of experience in the industry. He served as Managing Director of Exertis in Ireland for 10 years prior to moving to North America and becoming CCO in 2019.
“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,” Fitzharris said. “Since then, Kevin has worked with us to further expand the company’s leadership position with the launch of the Mobile 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 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.”
In naming him the new Managing Director of Exertis North America, Fitzharris stressed that 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. 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.”
“I am extremely excited to lead this very successful growing and expanding business unit,” Dunne said of his new role. “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.”
As for the next chapter in his life, Kelly noted that, “I am excited to see how it will unfold, and I plan to give it time to develop. 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!
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