Dell today announced the appointment of Douglas Woolley as general manager of its South Africa business, responsible for leading 280 team members. Mr. Woolley succeeds Stewart Van Graan, Dell’s previous South Africa general manager, who will take on a new expanded role as Enterprise Solutions general manager for Dell EMEA Emerging Markets and will remain chairman of the Dell South Africa board.

Under Van Graan’s leadership Dell’s business in South Africa has grown substantially over the last few years. Van Graan has built Dell into a leading and respected brand, creating a loyal customer and partner base. In addition, Van Graan has overseen Dell’s commitment to all elements of the BBBEE codes of practice, helping Dell become one of the few ICT multinationals to achieve a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) level-one accreditation rating. Dell has also invested more than R200 million in community programmes in the last 10 years, and plans to maintain a similar commitment, with a specific focus on education, health and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Woolley arrives at Dell following a 20-year career in the IT services industry. He has an impressive track record of business growth and extensive leadership experience. Woolley will continue to drive Dell’s momentum in the region, extend the existing customer and partner base. He also will focus on maintaining Dell’s winning culture and ensuring it’s a great place to work, through diversity, inclusiveness and respect for all Dell team members.

 Stewart Van Graan said: “It is a fitting time in Dell South Africa’s journey to pass the leadership baton. Doug is a seasoned and respected leader who I know will continue to advance Dell’s achievements in South Africa. As the chairman of the board, Doug and the team have my full and continued support for their ongoing success.”

“I’m excited to join such a progressive, world-class company as Dell,” said Mr. Woolley. “Its business growth, customer focus and community engagement are exemplary in South Africa, and I look forward to working with Stewart and the entire leadership team to achieve our long-term objectives in the region.”

 “We’re delighted to welcome Doug to the South Africa team, where he will continue the outstanding legacy created by Stewart over the past 10 years. Doug shares the same passion towards our customers, partners and community and we have a tremendous opportunity to grow our business even further under his leadership. South Africa is a key market for Dell and one of our top-10 global growth countries. We look forward to continued success in the region,” said Michael Collins, vice president and general manager, Dell EMEA Emerging Markets.

Mr. Woolley joins Dell from leading IT outsourcing company, Business Connexion, where he spent four years as group executive focused on the successful restructuring of the company’s technology division. He was formerly chief executive of IT infrastructure distributor, AxizWorkGroup, and Managing Director of Workgroup, the first distributor of Microsoft products in South Africa. He held previous positions with a number of leading distributors across the continent.

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