Barrie Desmond to replace Neil Ledger as Exclusive COO

Exclusive Networks Group has announced a boardroom reshuffle with Barrie Desmond replacing Neil Ledger as COO, while Ledger steps back from the business in a reduced role, overseeing the Group's organic growth.

The move has prompted an immediate recruitment campaign for a new VP/director of marketing & business development to replace Desmond.

“The achievements of the business to date are testament to a bold and ambitious plan that we’ve managed to execute very well,” says Ledger. “Taking up this more strategic position gives us more resource as a team to ensure our existing vendors and territories are maximised for value and revenue. The Exclusive Networks Group project has been both exciting and rewarding and I’m hoping to continue to contribute to what is an amazing journey.”

The reorganisation follows Nicolas Trombert and Julien Antoine’s appointments to the management team, to spearhead acquisition strategy and global business transformation respectively.

“Following on from Neil’s tenure will be no mean feat,” says Desmond. “But having worked with Neil for over 20 years I’ve learnt a lot, and I’m confident and excited about the challenges ahead.

“Neil’s new role means guidance and counsel will be ever-present and, with our management due to be bolstered even further with a new executive, we’re certain that this strengthened leadership team will boost momentum, and ensure that our ambition to become the only VAD to maintain value whilst expanding globally remains achievable.”

Last year the distributor announced its intention to become a €1bn business by 2017.

Comments Olivier Breittmayer, CEO of Exclusive Networks Group: “Our latest half-year results have outperformed both the market and our own projections, but it’s the organic growth performance that really stands out. Neil and Barrie are a proven team, charged with continuing this success, and myself and the board are excited at the prospect of them working hand in hand.”