Exclusive: RED team quits Renaissance for rival

The Channel has received word that no fewer than five employees resigned from Renaissance last Friday, with the majority going to a major rival.

We understand that the latest group to leave formed the main body of the Tertiary Sales and Support team from the Renaissance Education Division (RED). Among them are Tim Durant, Roger Thomas and Dave Hayward, all highly regarded in the industry.

We’ve contacted Renaissance for confirmation.

All are believed to have now joined Renaissance rival, Cyclone Computers, who competes for the same business as the RED division.

Cyclone Computers specialises in the procurement of IT equipment and focuses on the education sector, from primary schools through to tertiary education.

We reported this morning that Samuel Taylor had quickly followed Michele Harrington's move to the Simms peripheral business.

Update: Renaissance has confirmed Durant, Thomas and Hayward have resigned. In a short statement, Ross Fodie, General Manager, Education Sales, told The Channel, "While we are sad to see them leave, we will be using this opportunity to review the structure of the Tertiary Sales team to better serve our customers. I expect to be able to announce the new structure and roles over the next week."

Update 2: The Channel has since received word of the remaining two members of staff who recently resigned from RED to head to Cyclone. They are Chris Chester, Executive Account Manager and recent appointee Caroline Dewstow, Account Manager K13 Education.