SAP appoints Desmond Nair as SA Channel Director

SAP’s growing focus on its expanding network of partners sees Desmond Nair, ex-Microsoft Business Group Lead, appointed as SA Ecosystem and Channel Director.

Nair has recently been appointed SAP’s first Ecosystem and Channel Director, which will see him managing the software giant’s partner network across Africa, ensuring that SAP’s growing network, reffered to as an ‘ecosystem’, is supported and developed.

SAP considers Nair’s role as an affirmation of  commitment to working ‘indirectly’ through its network of partners. “SAP Africa recognises the important part its partners have to play in the success of its business – particularly on the African continent,” commented Nair. “I share my new colleagues’ excitement about the growth opportunities in Africa, and one of the key aspects of my role is growing SAP’s partner network in Africa, while maintaining and strengthening relationships with the extensive ecosystem we already have in South Africa.”

Nair remains realistic about the challenges he is likely to encounter, particularly when venturing outside of South Africa. “Although we know of the abundant opportunities for doing business in Africa, my key challenge will be to identify where they exist and which potential African partners would be willing to work not only in their own markets, but across the continent too,” he explains. “So in a nutshell, it’ll be about marrying the right tech partners with the right opportunities in the right locations.”

Prior to joining SAP Africa, Nair spent over a decade working for Microsoft, where he oversaw the development of the company’s business in both the South African and Gulf Region. “We are delighted to welcome Desmond to the fold at SAP Africa, both in his new role and as a Board member,” said Pfungwa Serima, SAP Africa’s Managing Director after the announcement. “He brings with him a wealth of experience in building business in new, exciting and challenging regions and we are confident that he will strengthen SAP’s footprint in Africa even further.”