Exclusive Networks Switches Ignition on Across EMEA to Drive Growth for Early and Mid-Stage Cyber Innovators

Ignition Technology extends EMEA presence to give emerging and early-stage SaaS-based cybersecurity innovators accelerated market penetration and channel momentum 

PARIS, FRANCE – 10th March 2022 – Ignition Technology, the Exclusive Networks owned specialist value-added distributor for emerging disruptive cybersecurity vendors, today announced a significant expansion of its operations across EMEA. The expansion sees Ignition build on its strong Northern European presence across the UK&I, Benelux, and Nordics, by extending operations into key strategic markets in Southern Europe (France), Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time.

Ignition, which acts as the springboard for early-stage disruptive cyber vendors looking for accelerated market entry and channel momentum, was acquired by Exclusive in July 2021. Building on its operations in the UK&I led by country manager Dave Risk, and in the Nordics and Benelux under the leadership of regional director Mikko Vaajamo, Ignition has made a series of strategic new hires as it extends its geographic reach and capabilities across EMEA.

Rodolphe Moreno has been appointed as country manager for France to establish Ignition’s first foothold in Southern Europe. Rodolphe brings a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years’ experience in security and networking where he held senior management roles at both vendors and channel companies.

Phil Starr takes up the position of regional manager for the Middle East to spearhead Ignition’s growth plans in the region. With over 5 years’ experience of working at Ignition in the UK in channel management and account director roles, Phil will be able to hit the ground running to rapidly establish Ignition’s presence in the Middle Eastern market.

Tony Coleman becomes Ignition’s new regional manager for Sub Saharan Africa. A proven leader with strong business development credentials and a successful track record in channel development, Tony brings over 30 years of knowledge and experience working in senior channel management positions.

“Last year’s acquisition of Ignition was a strategic move to reinforce our long-standing pedigree in discovering, nurturing and scaling early-stage cybersecurity innovators,” said Jesper Trolle, CEO of Exclusive Networks.

“We now have a clear pathway for emerging cybersecurity startups, especially those with SaaS-based business models, who require a completely different range of value-based services to that of established vendors. By expanding Ignition’s market presence within the global footprint of Exclusive Networks we can significantly broaden its business operations, increase the addressable market opportunity, yet still remain laser-focussed on the specialist needs of the next wave of emerging and disruptive SaaS-based cybersecurity startups.”

Commenting on the expansion and new appointments Peter Ledger, Managing Director of Ignition Technology said, “Having successfully integrated Ignition as a specialist entity within the wider Exclusive Networks business, we’re now focussing our efforts on scaling the Ignition offering in line with Exclusive’s global operations, with an initial focus on EMEA. This allows us to expand the addressable market for our disruptive, high-growth vendors, grow new partner ecosystems, accelerate new commercial opportunities, and rapidly scale sales momentum across key regions.

“I am delighted to welcome Rodolphe Moreno in France and Tony Coleman in Sub Saharan Africa to the growing Ignition business and wider Exclusive family. I would also like to congratulate Dave Risk and Phil Starr on their promotions to head up operations in the UK&I and Middle East respectively. I’m sure they will all have great success and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build out the Ignition proposition globally.”

About Ignition Technology

Ignition Technology, an Exclusive Networks company, is a security distributor for the SaaS world. We believe in the power of the channel to enable and secure business transformation. We enable our partners to architect solutions that better protect their customers and help them navigate the future of cybersecurity through our people, our knowledge and our solutions and services.

By discovering innovative, emerging cybersecurity solutions, we help them de-risk their business, create value and maintain relevance with their customers whilst delivering peace of mind. For more information visit www.ignition-technology.com.

About Exclusive Networks

Exclusive Networks is a global trusted cybersecurity specialist for digital infrastructure helping to drive the transition to a totally trusted digital future for all people and organisations.

Our distinctive approach to distribution gives partners more opportunity and more customer relevance. Our specialism is their strength – equipping them to capitalise on rapidly evolving technologies and transformative business models. The Exclusive Networks story is a global one with a services-first ideology at its core, harnessing innovation, and disruption to deliver partner value.

With offices in 43 countries and the ability to service customers in over 170 countries across five continents, Exclusive Networks has a unique ‘local sale, global scale’ model, combining the extreme focus and value of local independents with the scale and service delivery of a single worldwide distribution powerhouse.

Exclusive Networks is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Ticker: EXN). For more information visit www.exclusive-networks.com.

Exclusive Networks PR contact:

Mark Waite, Cohesive, +44 (0)7774 265444, exclusivegroup@wearecohesive.com