New channel manager to drive HP`s PartnerOne Strategy

HP South Africa has appointed Charlene Travis as its new commercial channel manager, giving her the brief of driving the implementation of its new unified business channel strategy and engagement model, known as PartnerOne.

Travis has more than 11 years of experience in the IT industry, working with tier one international brands IBM, Compaq and HP. She started her career in the finance and operations side of the business but soon found a gap to move into marketing, embarking on a career in product management within the PC environment.

After spending more than seven years at IBM, Travis joined Compaq where she was responsible for the Deskpro product set, the leading international PC brand in the local market. After the merger of HP and Compaq, Travis moved into the channel organisation where she helped to look after key distribution partners.

"I look forward to working closely with our business partners to consolidate HP`s position as the IT partner of choice for South African businesses of all sizes," says Travis.

With the PartnerOne strategy, HP has brought together the best of both HP and Compaq channel programmes into one comprehensive set of initiatives that demonstrates its strong commitment to the channel.

Says Travis: "To compete in the South African market, HP needed a more competitive pricing model, yet still offer the customer added value that comes from our channel partners.

"We have received approval for the local adaptation of the international channel programme so that we can accommodate our specific business needs in this region like black economic empowerment, stretch rebates and the changing dynamics of the SME versus corporate environments."