Pentax UK Press Release

01 February 2006 - Pentax UK is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Key Account Managers (KAMs) to its Imaging Systems Division. Tim Stevenson and Michael Tate will provide dedicated support to a range of retail partners across a number of diverse channel sectors. As part of Pentax’s newly developed channel strategy, both KAMs will focus their support across the photographic, consumer electronic, IT and mass merchandiser market sectors.

Stevenson joins Pentax from BSkyB, where he held a Business Development Manager position while Tate joins from Douwe Egberts, where he held the position of Business Development Manager and will apply some of the key skills he has gained from his work in the drinks industry. Both will focus on specific regions and will develop tailored support structures and resources for partners across multiple channels.

These appointments represent an integral building block in Pentax’s evolving channel strategy, a process that began last year with a strategic review of its UK operations. As a result of this review it was decided that a reorganisation of the sales function was required to better meet the current needs of channel partners. Pentax implemented a key account management strategy following the reorganisation.

Stevenson and Tate will report to Phil Williams,  Divisional Manager, Imaging Systems Division, Pentax UK in the new structure.

Phil Williams comments: “Pentax is committed to providing the best possible service and support to its channel partners. In the current retail climate, our Key Account Management structure is the correct one for both Pentax and, just as importantly, our channel partners. Tim and Michael both boast a wealth of experience in delivering first class sales support across retailers, no matter what size of sector. This flexibility and breadth of expertise is exactly right for Pentax as we continue to aggressively grow market share in the UK.”

“This is a very exciting time to be joining Pentax. With further growth very firmly on the agenda and a range of products that combine the best in optical technology and digital innovation, I look forward to further cementing relationships with Pentax’s rich and diverse range of channel partners,” adds Stevenson.

Tate continued: “I am confident that the new sales structure is one that will best match the needs of today’s retailers and this can only be a good thing for Pentax as it continues to market some of the most innovative and cutting edge digital cameras in the UK market.”
Pentax recently appointed Intro2020 as its sole distributor for the UK independent photographic channel.