Susan Searle
Local channel industry veteran Susan Searle has joined the board of Nextgen Distribution as non-executive director after 30 years helming IDG Communications’ local channel titles, including ARN, Reseller News and Channel Asia.
“Suzie has been at the core of the A/NZ channel for many, many years and during that time has proven that innovation, leadership, and relationships matter,” said Nextgen Group CEO John Walters. “Her commitment and promotion of diversity across a broad spectrum, from gender, to nationalities, to emerging leaders is at the centre of her reputation and legacy.
“It is a very considered decision for the Nextgen board to appoint Suzie to support the Nextgen team going to the next level in all these areas. I welcome Suzie to the Nextgen family,” he said.
The new appointment will see Searle use her deep industry experience and personal skills to complement those of the current board, which include chairman Andrew Petering, Steve Murphy and Walters.
It is understood that Searle will focus on drawing upon her wealth of experience in the local channel landscape to support the next growth phase of Nextgen and broaden the strength of the distributor’s board.
“I am delighted to be appointed to the Nextgen board. I have known several of the leadership team at Nextgen for many years and respect John Walters and his team immensely,” said Searle. “The business is successfully run with integrity, innovation and thought leadership, and serves an important role in the A/NZ channel as a full-service distribution provider.
“I look forward to working with the board and contributing to Nextgen’s ongoing achievements."
Searle joins the Nextgen board after more than three decades at IDG Communications, where she most recently held the role of president of innovation and industry evangelist in August this year.
In her years at IDG Communications, Searle established ARN as a weekly print magazine before leading ARN from print into the digital age in the late 90s.
Searle’s tenure at IDG Communications saw the creation of several iconic initiatives, such as the ARN Industry Innovation Awards, Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA), annual channel conference, EDGE, Emerging Leaders Awards and Forum; and the 30 Under 30 Tech Awards. These initiatives went on to be successfully replicated in New Zealand and Asia under Searle’s watch.
In recognition of her contribution to the local channel industry, Searle was inducted into the ARN Hall of Fame at the instigation of other current Hall of Fame members.
“Appointing someone of Susan’s experience, standing and ability is paramount to ensuring that Nextgen continues good governance, innovation, diversity and broadening relationships,” said Petering
Searle’s appointment to the Nextgen board comes after a period of continued growth and leadership expansion for the group, including the appointment of Gavin Lawless as managing director, Australia.
