November already, need to start to think about buying those Christmas presents already!?
Lots of gossip this month so let us get straight into it so we can fit it all in; starting with Andy Cassidy who recently rang me to say he wasn’t looking to move but had been head-hunted. After an couple of interviews he has moved from Vicon to TakeX as the European MD. Big job as Andy describes and funnily enough I had an interview there about 30 years ago with the boss man himself who I understand is back in Japan. Wasn’t for me to be honest but good luck Andy.
Next up is Simon Nash who likewise has been head-hunted, by Mike Newton; so yes, that means Simon is leaving Dahua to join NetVu as the Sales and Marketing Director; his job is to put NetVu back on the map. You may recall that NetVu was born out of the old Dedicated Micros that used to be seen everywhere. Seems they have some new and exciting products to launch into the UK that are British manufactured. I am sure if anyone can you can Simon.
Were you also aware that Ian Compton has left HIKVision after four and a half years and taken up the role of UK Sales Director for Anyvision the visual AI platform company that was founded in 2015. Ian of course has been in the industry since 1998 so somewhat longer than the company; so a great choice for them.
Let’s talk about poacher turned gamekeeper and were you aware that Richard Howe who was with Dallmeier for just over 20 years has left to join Cornerstone as the commercial Manager. That is a surprise as he has been there for so long and who would have ever thought Richard would change jobs and leave, just goes to show you should never say never!
While we are talking about poachers becoming gamekeepers let’s reverse that and take about gamekeeper becoming poacher as Mark Babington is leaving Transport for West Midlands and joining TIS the integrator as their new Head of Customer Engagement. TIS are and have been the service provider for TfWM for many years hence the relationship that Mark had built up with these guys over the years.
Shaun Southall has left Axis Communications after over 11 years with the company and has moved into cyber, in fact he is the Cyber Security Oversight Specialist for the CAA; yep the Civil Aviation Authority.
Cloud video surveillance company Cloudview has appointed Mark Gibson as its new Head of Sales. Mark has gained experience in international sales and business development, and has been consulting with technology companies since 2004. He has helped to develop many tech start-ups in California, EMEA and the Nordics specialising in AI applications for anti-money laundering and cyber security, and has spent time running his own sales and marketing consultancy, with a focus on the B2B technology sector. The company has also recruited Hannah Edwards; as Sales Administrator. She has experience of sales and customer experience roles, including at Mercedes-Benz and the Home Retail Group. In her new role, Hannah will be researching potential new partners, clients and end-users, and supporting the Sales and Commercial teams. Martine Van De Steene joins as Telesales Executive. She has experience in sales positions at software and hardware companies, working across Europe, and speaks English, German and Dutch.
Talking cloud; Morphean the Security-as-a-Service (Saas) and cloud analytics company, has recently opened new offices within the Platform building in the heart of Leeds, and in Denmark and the Netherlands, which opened at the start of the year.
Other news, were you aware that Andy Pigram is leaving Bosch to step out of the industry? That’s a shame; meanwhile Bosch are interviewing for a Sales Director if you fancy a move?
Oprema have been busy adding a few members of staff onto their books: that’s Chris Cooper – Business Development Manager, Tim Field – Business Development Executive, Lindy Jones, Adele Bridgman and Neil Elmy.
You will recall Peter Ainsworth from Hanwha and TYCO to name just two joined Amazon as the Alexa Senior Product Manager, video to voice as one person put it. Sounds an exciting move, but be warned Peter is now listening to your every conversation lol.
Eagle Eye Networks, the cloud video surveillance company, has acquired artificial intelligence firm Uncanny Vision. The acquisition includes research and development capabilities and a new regional office in Bangalore, India.
Some really sad news for those of you that have not heard. Ben Speakman the Sales Director for Hanwha was killed in Scotland in a serious motorcycle accident. He had a passion for his motorbikes and had been in our industry since 2003 He was so young with such a great life and career ahead of him; we send his family, friends and colleagues our deepest sympathy.
