Ignition Technology, the Exclusive Networks owned specialist value-added distributor for emerging disruptive cybersecurity vendors, today announced a significant expansion of its operations across EMEA. The expansion sees Ignition build on its strong Northern European presence across Benelux, Nordics and the UK&I, by extending operations into key strategic markets in France, Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time.
Ignition, which acts as the springboard for early-stage disruptive cyber vendors looking for accelerated market entry and channel momentum, was acquired by Exclusive in July 2021. Building on its operations in the UK&I led by country manager Dave Risk, and in the Nordics and Benelux under the leadership of regional director Mikko Vaajamo, Ignition has made a series of strategic new hires as it extends its geographic reach and capabilities across EMEA.
Rodolphe Moreno has been appointed as country manager for France to establish Ignition’s first foothold in Southern Europe. Rodolphe brings a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years’ experience in security and networking where he held senior management roles at both vendors and channel companies.
Phil Starr takes up the position of regional manager for the Middle East to spearhead Ignition’s growth plans in the region. With over 5 years’ experience of working at Ignition in the UK in channel management and account director roles, Phil will be able to hit the ground running to rapidly establish Ignition’s presence in the Middle Eastern market.
Tony Coleman becomes Ignition’s new regional manager for Sub Saharan Africa. A proven leader with strong business development credentials and a successful track record in channel development, Tony brings over 30 years of knowledge and experience working in senior channel management positions.
“Last year’s acquisition of Ignition was a strategic move to reinforce our long-standing pedigree in discovering, nurturing and scaling early-stage cybersecurity innovators”, said Jesper Trolle, CEO of Exclusive Networks. “We now have a clear pathway for emerging cybersecurity startups, especially those with SaaS-based business models, who require a completely different range of value-based services to that of established vendors. By expanding Ignition’s market presence within the global footprint of Exclusive Networks we can significantly broaden its business operations, increase the addressable market opportunity, yet still remain laser-focussed on the specialist needs of the next wave of emerging and disruptive SaaS-based cybersecurity startups.”
Commenting on the expansion and new appointments Peter Ledger, Managing Director of Ignition Technology, said: “having successfully integrated Ignition as a specialist entity within the wider Exclusive Networks business, we’re now focussing our efforts on scaling the Ignition offering in line with Exclusive’s global operations, with an initial focus on EMEA. This allows us to expand the addressable market for our disruptive, high-growth vendors, grow new partner ecosystems, accelerate new commercial opportunities, and rapidly scale sales momentum across key regions. “I am delighted to welcome Rodolphe Moreno in France and Tony Coleman in Sub Saharan Africa to the growing Ignition business and wider Exclusive family. I would also like to congratulate Dave Risk and Phil Starr on their promotions to head up operations in the UK&I and Middle East respectively. I’m sure they will all have great success and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build out the Ignition proposition globally.”