SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bell Microproducts Inc. (Pink Sheets:BELM), one of the world's largest value-added distributors of storage and computing technology, today announced that John Toal has been promoted to the position of president, Bell Microproducts Europe. In his new role, Toal will lead Bell Microproducts' European operations, reporting directly to Graeme Watt, the company's president of worldwide distribution.
Having previously served as Director of Enterprise Sales for Bell Microproducts Europe, Toal is uniquely qualified to lead the company's European operations. Toal is tasked with driving incremental growth and profitability for Bell Microproducts Europe, and will focus on identifying new markets in today's rapidly changing economic climate. Toal will be based out of the company's Chessington, UK offices.
According to Watt, "During his time at Bell Micro, John has run the enterprise sales business across Europe, and, along with his team, has racked up a long list of impressive accomplishments, including substantial growth of the enterprise business in the UK. Based on his track record, he is an excellent choice to help us continue our quest to drive Bell Micro's European business forward."
"Since joining Bell Micro in 2004, John has contributed greatly to the company and proven himself as a valued team player who holds the fundamentals of good performance in high regard and thinks big," noted Don Bell, president and CEO of Bell Microproducts. "John will be a huge asset to the company in his role as the head of Bell Micro Europe."
Toal, an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, first came to Bell Microproducts in 2004, when the company acquired OpenPSL, a leading value added distributor of enterprise, storage and security products. Toal joined OpenPSL in 1988 and advanced through a number of positions at the company, from New Business Development Manager to Sales and Marketing Director for the HP and IBM enterprise sales divisions. Prior to OpenPSL, Toal served in several sales and sales management roles at Electroplan, Ltd. and S.T.C. Components, plc. Toal is a graduate of Southampton University and holds a BS degree, with honors, in Physics.
"I'm very excited about this new opportunity and look forward to taking Bell Micro Europe to the next level," noted Toal. "This is a very dynamic company, and I hope to continue and expand on the rapid growth that Bell Micro's European business has experienced over the past few years."
About Bell Microproducts Inc.
Bell Microproducts (Pink Sheets:BELM) is an international, value-added distributor of a wide range of high-tech products, solutions and services, including storage systems, servers, software, computer components, and peripherals, as well as maintenance and professional services. An industry-recognized specialist in storage products, the company is one of the world's largest storage-centric value-added distributors.
Bell Microproducts is uniquely qualified with deep technical and application expertise to service a broad range of information technology needs. From design to deployment, its products are available at any level of integration, from components to subsystem assemblies and fully-integrated, tested and certified system solutions. More information can be found in the company's SEC filings, or by visiting the Bell Microproducts Web site at www.bellmicro.com.
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