Industry veteran Richard Lightfoot is taking up the top spot as New Zealand country manager for Avnet, as the distributor looks to harness ‘great potential for growth' in the Kiwi market.

The new role sees Lightfoot – previously with IBM New Zealand – charged with growing Avnet's current and prospective partner base in New Zealand and driving ‘premier' solutions for the local market. He replaces Glenn Dudding, who held the position for a year before heading to Lexel Systems in March.

Darren Adams, Avnet Technology Solutions Australia and New Zealand vice president and general manager, says the addition of Lightfoot – who has nearly 30 years experience in the IT industry – provides the distributor with the leadership and execution skills required to drive success for the Kiwi business.

“We see great potential for growth in New Zealand and look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver innovative solutions within the region,” Adams says.

Lightfoot joins James Johnston, Avnet New Zealand solution architect, in the Auckland-based Kiwi operations.

Avnet says Lightfoot has guided the successful introduction and growth of vendors into New Zealand, during his career and gained experience in the New Zealand IT services sector, expanding his skills around mobility and managed service solutions.

His career has included more than six years with Westcon New Zealand as IBM business manager, before moving to IBM New Zealand's CSM Systems and Technology Group, along with stints for companies including Gen-I (now Spark Digital), Computerland and Solnet Solutions.