Dear RFG Dealer Principals,
Yesterday, Ricoh announced a new District field structure for our direct channel in the U.S. that will bring a stronger alignment of growth initiatives to the field. While this change does not directly impact the dealer channel, I wanted to share some details with you about how this change will help strengthen our dealer/direct relationships and collaboration. As a valued partner we want to keep you informed of the exciting changes taking place within the direct channel.
Over the past decade, Ricoh has invested in a broad portfolio of products and services and has gained market share in the industry through its strategic acquisitions and vision of growth. This has included a focus on both our direct distribution and dealer channels, as well as improved collaboration between the two channels. Over this time, we have made investments to expand our services business model as a key growth strategy, including a focus on IT Services, expansion of our production print portfolio, and the ongoing development of the ChaMPS program for our dealers to leverage Ricoh’s services resources.
To further integrate and align our direct channel for growth and services, we are introducing a new streamlined District field structure in the U.S. for our direct channel with 10 geographic Districts, which replaces our former Region and Area structure. Under this new District model, District Vice Presidents (DVPs) will drive our sales execution in the field, supported by a national model for technology services delivery and enterprise services operations. Dave Greene, Vice President, Direct Sales, will have continued responsibility for direct channel sales under this new structure.
As part of this announcement, we also announced a future step in our direct channel integration as it relates to aligning under a unified brand. In April 2012, we will leverage the strength of a single brand, transitioning the IKON brand to Ricoh in the U.S. This does not impact the Savin and Lanier brands in the U.S., and we will continue to align our dealer channel under the Ricoh, Savin and Lanier brands.
Our dealer channel support structure remains unchanged and we look forward to providing the same strong support for our dealer community that you have come to expect. Under the leadership of the District Vice Presidents (DVPs), the direct channel will continue their collaboration with dealers. The District model also provides for a single point of contact for dealers into our direct channel through the DVPs.
We will continue to provide the tools and strategies to help you grow your business as you remain a critical part to Ricoh’s business strategy. If you have any questions, please contact me or your Region Vice President.
Thank you for your continued commitment.
Jim Coriddi
Vice President, Dealer Division
Original Post