Harvey Najim, founder of Sirius Computer Solutions, has announced that effective immediately, Sirius President Joe Mertens will assume the position of chief executive officer. Mr. Najim will serve as executive chairman of the company?s board of directors.
Joe Mertens was named president of Sirius in January 2008. In February 2011, Najim announced his intention to hand over his responsibilities as CEO to Mertens no later than January 2, 2012. For the past three years, Najim has been focused on a smooth transition to Mertens that included the acquisition and successful integration of MSI Systems Integrators, a firm acquired by Sirius late in 2010.
Najim cites Mertens? leadership skills as a key contributor to the smooth integration of MSI. ?I have essentially shared all the responsibilities of CEO with Joe for the last several months,? said Najim. ?We had excellent first- and second-quarter results, and with the successful integration of MSI into the Sirius family, the time is perfect to officially appoint him as the new CEO of Sirius so that he can execute his vision and strategy to take our company to the next level.?
Mr. Najim founded Sirius Computer Solutions (then called Star Data Systems) in 1980. In December, 2006, he established the Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation to support children?s charitable organizations in the greater San Antonio area. Today, Mr. Najim devotes much of his time to the Foundation, which has contributed over $ 26 million since its inception. He has been recognized with dozens of awards for his professional and personal achievements, and considers this personal transition one from a business leader to a servant leader.
?I will remain active in the business as executive chairman, providing Board leadership,? said Najim. ?Joe and the executive team at Sirius have my full support and confidence, giving me chance to continue to focus on my foundation.?
Joe Mertens began his career with Sirius in 1984 and his responsibilities grew to include sales and operations of the company?s wholesale and distribution divisions. In 1997, those divisions were sold to Savoir Technology Group and renamed Business Partner Solutions (BPS), of which Mr. Mertens was appointed president and CEO. During his tenure at BPS, sales grew from $ 237.9 million in 1997 to $ 767.2 million in 1999 through a combination of organic growth and the integration of six acquisitions. In 1999, BPS was consolidated into Savoir Technology Group and Mr. Mertens took the helm as the combined company?s president and chief operating officer, with responsibility for all sales and operations in North America.
In July 2000, Avnet Computer Marketing purchased Savoir Technology Group and Mr. Mertens was named executive vice president and general manager of the IBM Business Unit, where he was credited with growing sales to $ 981 million in 2000. In July 2001, Mr. Mertens moved into a consulting role for Avnet and was named executive vice president of Business Development. He returned to Sirius in May, 2002 as executive vice president, and was named president in January, 2008.
Mr. Mertens, a native of Texas, received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin. He has received numerous awards, including the prestigious IBM Lifetime Achievement Award.
?For the past 25 years, I?ve had the opportunity to learn from one of the best leaders in our industry,? commented Mertens. ?Harvey has created a company with lasting core values, continuous financial stability and growth, and a team of professionals that have the intensity and talent to succeed in a challenging and constantly changing industry. It?s a privilege to follow him as CEO, and I expect I?ll be taking advantage of the leadership tactics and strategies I?ve learned from him on a daily basis.?
About Sirius: Sirius is a national IT solution provider dedicated to helping clients implement advanced infrastructure solutions that provide a competitive advantage and a positive return on investment. For more information, visit http://www.siriuscom.com.
Contact Information: Susan Griffin, Director, Corporate Communications,
Sirius Computer Solutions
Phone: 503-430-6311; Email: susan.griffin(at)siriuscom(dot)com
About The Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation: Established in December 2006, the Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation is aimed at helping children?s charitable organizations in the greater San Antonio area. Recipients of funds include 501(c)(3) public charities that advance children?s education, children?s medical treatment, medical research for illnesses and diseases affecting children, and other children?s charitable purposes. For more information, visit http://www.najimfoundation.org.
Contact Information: Melissa Bauman, Executive Director,
The Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation
Phone: 210.369.0666; Email: melissa.bauman(at)siriuscom(dot)com
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