Raj was the only UK professional to be recognised as one of world’s top five
Five future leaders from the information technology (IT) industry channel have been recognised as ChannelChangers by CompTIA, the IT Industry Trade Association, whose members include Microsoft and IBM.
The first of its kind, the awards programme for the IT channel recognises young entrepreneurs and ground-breaking businesses and industry innovators that are changing the face of the IT industry.
One of the five 2014 ChannelChangers is Raj Patel, 28, a director at Vanti, Birmingham, England. The pioneering young Asian entrepreneur from Birmingham was recognised for founding Vanti, a revolutionary Birmingham business that designed and created ground-breaking digital systems for the hi-tech new Library of Birmingham.
Raj has also been a key player in his company’s expansion of its AV and IT solutions businesses into new corporate and public sector markets and has transformed the company into a global tech business and now works with giants including Tottenham Hotspur FC and Nike.
Raj was the only UK professional to be recognised by the IT industry association among the world’s top 5 industry pioneers.
“Our selection committee was pleased with the high caliber of the nominees, but it made their task of choosing five winners that much more difficult,” said Kelly Ricker, senior vice president, events and education, CompTIA.
“The impressive accomplishments of our winners and many of the other nominees is a sure sign that the IT channel is in good hands for many years to come.”
Young professionals between the ages of 23 and 29 as of August 2014, who have two years’ experience in the IT industry and are currently employed by a CompTIA member company, were eligible for consideration as a ChannelChanger.
Nominees were evaluated on:
· The quality of their achievements and accomplishments.
· Their understanding of the channel’s opportunities and challenges, as well as their unique and creative thinking in regards to them.
· How well they thought and acted beyond their own company to benefit the industry.
· Their potential as a role model for industry peers.
· Their ability to draw on experiences to look beyond their immediate future.
Winners were selected by a committee of IT industry executives and experts, including Robert Demarzo, senior vice president, strategic content, The Channel Company; Heather Murray, vice president, Tech Data Mobile Solutions, Tech Data Corporation; Larry Walsh, CEO and chief analyst, The 2112 Group; Barry Williams, senior director, indirect channel sales, Comcast; and Mark Williams, CEO, Pensar.
The award winners will be recognised at CompTIA’s ChannelCon 2014, the premier partnering and training event for IT vendors, distributors and channel partners taking place on 4th-6th August in Phoenix and at CompTIA’s EMEA conference in London in November.
