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Juniper Networks UK bigwig hotfoots it to Alternative Networks

Mark Quartermaine made COO at one of network firm's largest channel biz

Juniper UK and Ireland boss Mark Quartermaine is hot-footing it to one of the firm's biggest channel partners, Alternative Networks, where he will be COO from next month.

The former IBM, C&W, BT Global Services and Azzurri exec initially joined LSE-listed Alternative as a non-exec director in January last year but his appointment was terminated this January.

Quartermaine confirmed he is leaving at the end of this month but said he had already ceased day-to-day duties from Easter to give a "significant air gap" before landing at Alternative on 14 May.

He told us this ensures there is no conflict of interest.

"Alternative has made some big acquisitions and the chairman offered me a role I couldn't refuse," he told El Chan, adding, "I'll still be part of the Juniper family, so to speak."

In January, Alternative made some bold statements in buying virtualisation specialist Intercept IT and managed service player Control Circle for £12.95m and £39.4m respectively.

This follows a calendar 2013 when sales stagnated at £114m and pre-tax profits slid to £12.4m from £12.6m.

Alternative CEO Edward Spurrier said of his incoming COO, "We know him well and he has a wealth of relevant experience in leadership roles within our industry."

Industry vet Quartermaine, who has racked up 27 years of experience in tech, and prior to Juniper in September 2012 ran Capita ITS for six months, presiding over a tough cost-cutting programme.

Alternative pointed out that its new recruit gained experience as a non-exec director at Prologic until it was sold in 2012 to an affiliate of US-based Versata.

We are awaiting comment from Juniper on a replacement COO it may have lined up. ®

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