Get to know: Lee Reynolds

Lee Reynolds,
Marketing Director, Fusion Distribution

What is your career history to date? How did you end up working in Dubai?

I went straight into the IT industry and into Unix where the money was at the time. I decided enough was enough and moved over to the sand where I joined Mindware. From there I opened CHS Electronics' offices in Asia and the Middle East. Then it was time to move into security as I single-handedly brought in vendors such as SurfControl into the region and built customers and channel from nothing. Then, of course, I launched Fusion.

Which IT industry figure do you most admire and why?

I guess the Larry Ellison and Richard Branson type of characters who have been through good and bad times and still not lost their character or drive for success, no matter how rich or big they have got. They keep their feet very firmly on the ground and live life to the max.

What is the proudest moment of your career?

Good question. I have plenty of ‘picking up the plaque' moments at industry dinners and things like that, but I don't think these come close to being a part of your own company and having a vision and mythology and making it all work. I am very proud of Fusion and its team.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Middle East IT market?

I think over the years the IT Industry has become more and more professional and skilled for its customers and channel. I enjoyed the ‘good old days' but embrace this new generation and the way we do business here in the region. I've always worked in technology areas that are moving quickly and security is definitely moving for me.

What is the best deal you have ever closed?

I think it was with BT when I won the Yellow Pages account for Compaq in Europe. I had 16 account managers and four engineers in my team and the deal was worth millions. I lost a lot of sleep bringing that one in.

What do you dislike most about working in the Middle East IT market?

What I don't like about this region is that sometimes you'll encounter people and companies who don't deliver on their agreements. Often I come across people who just don't show any kind of respect towards each other.

How would you describe your management style?

My management style is very simple. I lead by example and surround myself with successful individuals with the same type of mind set that I have, which is "GET THE JOB DONE...NO EXCUSES!"

How do you like to relax outside of the work environment?

I'm a bit of a social bird when all said and done, but I have just had my first son so he keeps me very busy at night times. At weekends I'll try to sail or sometimes dive as I'm a divemaster and love the water. I am also a very keen golfer and like to get a round in whenever I can, but spending time with good friends and family is on the top of my list.

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