Written by Sara Yirrell CRN, 01 Sep 2009

Former HP executive David Smith has stepped into the role of chief executive of VAR Landscape Group.

Smith has worked in the IT industry for 20 years, the last decade in vendor land at firms such as HP, Canon and Samsung. His positions at HP included UK & Ireland SMB manager and commercial marketing manager; his position at Canon was marketing director of Canon Business Solutions, and he also worked at Samsung as the director for Samsung Electronics UK.

His new role at Landscape Group will be to work with the executive management team to expand and develop its business, particularly the firm's HP Smart Printing Services business.

In a statement, Smith said: "With orgainsations wanting to right-size print output devices, reduce operating expenditure, consolidate assets and get better control of future costs, there has never been a better time to look at rationalising the printer/copier fleet".

"Trimmer, leaner and fitter organisations do better in tough times. As a leading HP Gold Partner we are well placed to help organisations maximise efficiencies, reduce carbon footprint and deliver more communications."

Nat Hart, founder and chairman of The Landscape Group, said: "David is a wonderful addition and will give us the direction and cutting edge to deliver our goals on HP Smart Printing Services and our Eduprint proposition."

"We are serious about this focus, and by bringing in such a well known and experienced executive such as David, we believe this will add something unique to our business, and enhance the relationships we have with our customers and partners."

Dave Poskett, director of the Solution Partner Organisation at HP, said: "David spent a long time at HP, and he understands the market, the organisation, its products and its people. Having him work with customers to specify and deliver advanced HP print solutions is very exciting. We are delighted at the announcement and expect to see some very positive results."