Jon Sidwick, managing director, Maverick AV Solutions, has announced that he will be leaving the company later this month.
During his 23 years with the company, Maverick has transformed from a local projection supplier to become a leading pan-European solution provider in the professional AV, smart signage and smart collaboration markets. Current vice president, Maverick AV Solutions, Europe, Joel Chimoindes, who will take over Sidwick’s role and will continue to manage the European senior management team and 19 specialist country divisions.
Sidwick commented: “Maverick has been in my DNA for over two decades since I started as managing director with just six employees. We have seen a huge deal of change, which has accelerated in recent years with new opportunities arising from the proliferation of VC and smart technologies. The business has never had more exciting prospects and a more brilliant portfolio of vendors so I feel that now is the right time to pass the baton of leadership to Joel and the team.
“In my life post Maverick, I will be exploring some new projects and look forward especially to my role next year as chairman of AVIXA, at a time of huge change and opportunity for our industry,” added Sidwick.
Sidwick has worked in the AV industry since 1991 when he took leadership of the pro AV division of Sharp Electronics UK. In 1997 he joined Maverick Presentation Products, a UK distributor focused on projectors and presentation accessories, as managing director. That business was acquired by Tech Data in 2007 to form a specialist professional AV business retaining the Maverick name.
In the last 13 years, he has guided the business through numerous pivotal moments including the shift towards collaboration which brought IT and AV businesses together and was critical to the success of Microsoft Surface Hub and new Logitech meeting solutions. Most recently he has spearheaded global strategies to standardise the service and product offering across the business’s regions in an increasingly globalised world.
Miriam Murphy, senior vice president, advanced and specialized solutions, Europe, at Tech Data said: “Jon’s passion, energy and unique leadership style has taken Maverick from strength to strength. He has truly led the charge in the success of our specialist model, even taking it global. His creativity and drive will be missed in our business – whether it’s style of the Maverick teams or the recent invaluable thought leadership on virtual meetings and remote working. I thank him for his immense contribution to Tech Data and wish him every success as he embarks on his next adventure. His succession has been well planned and he leaves Maverick safely in Joel’s strong leadership.”
Chimoindes added: “Maverick is a brilliant business and this is due in large part to the team spirit, collaboration culture and focus on innovation which Jon has instilled throughout the countries. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him for the last three years. We have never had such an inspirational vendor line up or such great leadership throughout the business to take his legacy forward.”
