Meet the MDM - Luke Harley

Meet the MDM - Luke Harley

How did you get started in networking?

I have worked in the IT industry since 1997, starting as an outbound sales representative for refurbished computers. After two years I moved to a distributor and worked in a business development role for security solutions. There I played a big part in establishing the company as the leading distributor for RSA in the Netherlands. During my five years in that business I learned a lot about networking technologies. Since then, and for the last 15 years, I’ve always worked in roles directly focused on networking solutions.

Sum up your job

Developing and identifying new business opportunities in the EMEA Regional Business Units for the Switching product group. I’m also responsible for taking the ownership and creation of the collateral for internal customers to use with our external customers for channel partners and the ecommerce route to market.

How long have you been at Zyxel and where were you before?

I have worked three years at Zyxel before, from 2009 as product manager security and wireless. I re-joined Zyxel, after working for four years at an independent ISP. I rejoined in 2018 in the role of as Market Development Manager EMEA Channel for Home Solutions, LTE and CPE, working successfully to create greater awareness for these product groups. In April 2020, I moved into my current role, taking responsibility for switching portfolio as Market Development Manger EMEA.

What makes your job interesting?

The variety of tasks in my job, from number crunching for forecasting, to the development of webinars and contact with different cultures via EMEA subsidiaries, and of course, the Taiwanese HQ.

What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges in your area of the market?

Customers see switches as a commodity product and while is some cases that’s just about right today, switches are still fundamental to the network. Without a switch no network would work. The switch is the foundation of the network that supports users, whether they are in the office or at home and having a good, form foundation is crucial. Therefore, the choice of switch is important and needs to be done carefully and correctly – it should not be seen as a commodity or a ‘me-too’ product.

What do you like most about working for Zyxel?

The short reporting lines within the company. Everybody is available to everybody, from internal sales engineer to CEO.

What’s your favourite Zyxel product and why?

Currently the XS1930-12HP, as you can reach networking speeds of up to 10G on the latest cabling but even 5Gb on the most common Cat5e cables. The switch can also power devices up to 60Watts per port and you can manage it via our cloud-based Nebula platform. This switch is really ready for the future.

What do you like to get up to outside work?

I like to go sailing during my holidays, preferably somewhere warm and sunny, like Greece. After work I usually unwind in the kitchen where I enjoy cooking for my wife and for friends and family.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

‘Start with Why’. This is the title of a book by Simon Sinek, who is also well-known as a TED speaker. If you have not read it, I highly recommend it.