Sungard Availability Services®, a leading provider of information availability through managed IT, cloud and recovery services, has today announced the appointment of Carmel Owens as Sales and General Manager of Ireland. Leading Sungard AS’ business in the region, Owens will report directly to Jean-Philippe Sohier, ‎SVP of European Sales.

Owens will assume responsibility for the strategic direction of Sungard Availability Services’ sales channel within Ireland, making sure the organisation is best placed to deliver the technologies and services customers need to ensure that their critical IT is fully aligned to business priorities, and focused on business outcomes. Owens’ appointment comes at an exciting time for the region, with Sungard AS continuing to grow its presence in Ireland through sustained investment, job creation and the launch of its Channel Partner Program. This builds upon a year of activity which has seen the company expand its capabilities across technical operations, customer services, sales and marketing, whilst adding the security standard ISO 27001 to its extensive list of accreditations. 

A graduate of The Dublin City University’s School of Computer Applications, Owens has nearly 20 years of experience working in the business technology sector, spending time at a number of high profile technology companies, including EMC, Version 1 and SQS. She has a proven track record of establishing and growing businesses. At EMC, Owens held the role of Head of Public Sector for three years; during which she worked with government bodies and public sector organisations spread across a variety of verticals – including healthcare and transportation. In addition to her customer activities, Owens has worked with the wider service provider market, exploring a number of new business models and infrastructure approaches. During her time at Version 1, Owens worked as Director of Northern Ireland – establishing and expanding the organisation’s presence in the region.

As part of her role, Owens will be looking to expand Sungard AS’ customer portfolio within Ireland, adding to an already impressive roster which includes FujiFilm, MicksGarage.com, and  Transics. 

Commenting on the appointment, Jean-Philippe Sohier, ‎SVP of European Sales at Sungard Availability Services said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Carmel Owens to the business. Bringing significant expertise in both technology and business, Carmel’s in-depth knowledge of both Ireland and the wider European markets will be an important asset to the region. I have no doubt that she will play a critical role in developing and implementing the strategies which will help deliver success for our customers.”

Owens added: “As technology continues to play an increasingly central part in the everyday operations of all but the most backwards organisation, there is a real opportunity to help big businesses change, adapt and become more agile. Sungard AS could not be better placed: thanks to its technical heritage, expertise in delivering both innovative and reliable solutions, and its well-known pedigree in working with some of the world’s largest organisations.  There is a significant gap in the market for it to excel.

“Joining Sungard AS is an exciting prospect, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise in working with some of the largest public and private sector organisations in the region as well as my relationships with channel partners and other key vendors. As part of my role I will strive not only to serve our local customers, but also to serve those who operate internationally.”

Keith Tilley, EVP global sales and customer services management, Sungard Availability Services concluded: “Over the last few years, Ireland has become an important launch-pad for many of the world’s largest multi-national organisations as they look to expand into the European markets. The portfolio of products offered by Sungard AS – from managed and cloud services through to disaster recovery and ‘all-time’ availability – means our customers are well positioned to serve the ever-demanding needs of Ireland, helping businesses drive innovation and growth within the region and far beyond.”