SOUTH AFRICA – Westcon-Comstor, a technology provider and specialist distributor, has appointed Rakesh Parbhoo to the newly-created role of Executive Vice President (EVP) of its Middle East and Africa (MEA) business.

The promotion will see Rakesh drive the continued growth of Westcon-Comstor across the region, fuelled by the success of its vendors and channel partners. 

Rakesh joined Westcon-Comstor in 2017 as CEO for Sub-Saharan Africa and was made Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in 2021, a role he retains following his latest promotion.

It’s an honor to take on the role of EVP for the Middle East and Africa,” said Rakesh, who sits on Westcon-Comstor’s global executive leadership team. 

“I’m fortunate to be supported by a fantastic team, and I look forward to driving our continued success across the region. 

“Our unique data-driven approach, commitment to partner success, and specialization in high-growth, strategic tech domains like cybersecurity, networking, and cloud mean Westcon-Comstor’s prospects are bright within the MEA region and globally.”

Westcon-Comstor connects the world’s leading IT vendors with a channel of technology resellers, systems integrators, and service providers. 

Since Rakesh’s appointment to lead our combined MEA business in March 2022, he has created a growing consolidated business across the region and established a strong leadership team across all functions,” said David Grant, CEO at Westcon-Comstor. 

“We have a more successful and profitable business under Rakesh’s leadership, and he has combined his regional responsibilities with the CTO to function extraordinarily well. 

“His promotion reflects his considerable contribution to the business and executive prospects for the future.”

Westcon-Comstor partners Zscaler

Westcon-Comstor Sub-Saharan Africa and cloud security pioneer Zscaler launched their local partnership with resellers and customers in March this year. 

Zscaler is globally positioned as a leading innovator in cloud security, transforming businesses’ approaches to protecting their IT infrastructure amid digital evolution. 

Zscaler delivers a wide-ranging and forward-thinking portfolio of security services, including secure access service edge (SASE), zero-trust network access, and comprehensive threat protection. 

Its cloud-native platform provides scalable, integrated security solutions that move beyond the limitations of traditional onsite hardware. 

This model enables organizations to adopt cloud applications and mobility securely, ensuring swift and protected access to resources within and outside the enterprise.

The partnership established by Zscaler and Westcon-Comstor will provide resellers in the region with direct access to the resources needed to support a client’s investments in these technologies.

Westcon-Comstor showcases 3D Labs

Westcon-Comstor showcased its 3D Labs and Tech Xpert services to Zscaler partners. The 3D Labs offer an engaging and dynamic space for an in-depth examination and trial of Zscaler’s cloud security solutions. 

Acting as a practical testing ground, these labs enable partners to showcase the capabilities of Zscaler’s products through simulations of real-world scenarios in a managed environment.

Furthermore, Westcon-Comstor’s Tech Xpert services offer a pool of technical knowledge and support. 

These services encompass specialized training led by experts, assistance in designing solutions, and support during implementation, guaranteeing that Zscaler partners are knowledgeable about the products and adept at customizing these solutions to address customer requirements. 

The Tech Xpert team’s insight into Zscaler’s portfolio and the broader security ecosystem plays a crucial role in aiding partners in overcoming intricate security challenges and implementing effective and efficient solutions.

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