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Simms International Expands into NZ, Appoints Paul Johnston as MD

Announcement posted by Simms International 11 Jan 2010

Simms International, a leading distributor and supplier of IT products and services to the corporate, reseller, system-integrator, retail and OEM markets, has expanded into the New Zealand marketplace.

Simms is renowned for its high standards of service, commitment and focus. The opening of a New Zealand-based business, headed by the highly experienced Paul Johnston, provides an excellent opportunity for vendors to grow their New Zealand market share.

This is the third business within the Simms Group, which started in the UK in 1990 and opened in Australia in 1995. Each operates independently and is responsible for developing its own vendor relationships. The New Zealand business will benefit from the Group’s expertise, infrastructure and systems as well as the shared vision to be the leading partner for its vendors in the local market.

Based in Auckland, Simms International will be operational by mid-February under Managing Director, Paul Johnston, who started in his new role on 4 January 2010. Johnston, who is a shareholder and board member of the Simms business in New Zealand, said: “I am extremely excited to be involved in the expansion of Simms International into New Zealand. To grow a business from scratch; to build mutually beneficial, long term relationships with vendors and channel partners; and to develop our people are things I am passionate about.”

With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Johnston sees great potential for the new venture explaining that: “Simms operates as an extension of its vendors and is constantly seeking innovative ways to create opportunities for channel partners.”

His first tasks are to establish the office, start discussions with vendors and build the partner network. He will also be recruiting staff for Business Development, Sales, Customer Service and Sales Support roles.

Johnston said: “Our initial focus will be to attract vendors that are looking for a partner who can provide a new focus for their products and help them grow their businesses, especially into the SMB and corporate sector. The goal is to help our vendors become the leading product in this market. 

“Our reseller network will have the backing of Simms’ sales, marketing and technical support, as well as logistics expertise, so they can take full advantage of every opportunity to sell our product range.”

The Managing Director of Simms International in Australia, Danny Moore, welcomed Johnston saying: “Each Simms business has to succeed on its own and there is no-one in New Zealand more experienced and qualified to do this than Paul. We anticipate that some of our vendors here in Australia will be interested in having Simms looking after them in New Zealand, and vice versa.”

About Simms International (www.simmsnz.co.nz – site launching soon)

Simms International is a leading supplier of IT products and accessories to the corporate and retail channels. Simms was established in the UK in 1990, the Australian business opened in 1995 and the New Zealand company in 2010.

Our mission is to be the number one partner for our vendors in our chosen markets. Our vendors have to be category leading or have the potential to be and we offer category exclusivity to the vendors we represent.

For further information please contact:

Paul Johnston                        Simms International                          +64 21 611 915

Shuna Boyd                           BoydPR                                              +61 2 9418 8100