Telecom Lead America: Zebra Technologies has appointed Ashley Ford as new vice president & managing director to lead its EMEA operations.

“Now more than ever, organisations in EMEA are looking to operate more efficiently and we are deeply committed to help them improve productivity,” said Mike Terzich senior vice president, Zebra Technologies. “Ashley’s broad experience and proven ability to foster strong partner and customer relationships positions him well to lead our responsive and nimble EMEA business.”

Ashley returns to EMEA following a two year assignment as vice president and general manager for North America based in Chicago, Illinois.

He was instrumental in building a strong sales structure and developing a robust channel strategy, as well as managing the expansion of Zebra’s business in emerging markets such as Turkey and the Middle East. He takes over the EMEA leadership position from Rod Rodericks who has assumed the role of vice president and general manager of Zebra’s Asia Pacific region.

Ashley will focus on continuing momentum of Zebra’s already successful geographic expansion strategy as well as building Zebra’s relevance in key vertical markets such as healthcare and retail.  He will also look to develop Zebra’s strategic account strategy in EMEA whilst enhancing its approach to customer centricity.

Before joining Zebra in 2005, Ashley held senior sales and channel management positions within the IT, printing and communications industries at major organisations such as Samsung Electronics, Xerox Europe and AST Computer Europe.

Zebra Technologies offers RFID and real-time location solutions.

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