Acronis takes new distribution head from Acer

Data protection firm Acronis has appointed Sussie Thorenfeldt as distribution sales manager, Northern Europe.

Thorenfeldt joins Acronis from Acer, where she has spent the last three years as EMEA distribution and partner, key account manager. Her career also includes more than 20 years with HP, ending up as global alliance manager, emerging markets.

“She brings a wealth of expertise in distribution, reseller and channel management, international sales management, partnerships and business development,” said Acronis. She has previously worked closely with Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Microsoft, SAP, Cap Gemini, Accenture and Carlsberg.

Thorenfeldt (pictured) will be based in London and will report to Dirk Raeymaekers, senior partner director, Northern Europe at Acronis.

Her remit will be to “build and nurture” relationships with distributors across the UK and Ireland, Benelux and the Nordics, with a particular focus on expanding Acronis’ cloud offering.

“Sussie’s appointment is a key element of our plans to cement our position as the global experts and thought leaders on cloud-based security and support, through an increased focus on working closely with partners,” said Raeymaekers. “With her proven track record and in-depth experience of managing partner and channel programmes, Sussie is a welcome addition to the Acronis team.”

Thorenfeldt said: “Through my previous roles and experience I know that hardware is just a commodity, and is set to be even more so in the future. For me, the future is in software. The cloud has been talked about for many years but now we are finally seeing customers adjust to it.”

@AntonySavvas