Deep Dive: Mat Jordan, Head of EMEA – Procurri Europe

We ‘Deep Dive’ with Mat Jordan, Head of EMEA – Procurri Europe, who tells us about life inside and outside the office.

Procurri Europe is a publicly listed, channel dedicated global provider of refurbished hardware and services. It supports its partners with more than 30 sales specialists and over €25m worth of inventory available for quick ship, as well as a number of wrap around lifecycle services.

What would you describe as your most memorable achievement in the data centre industry?

Tough question but it was probably when I bought tindirect back in 2004/5, shifting from an employee to a business owner. A lot has happened since then but all of it stems from this initial acquisition.

What first made you think of a career in technology/data centres?

I don’t think many people my age necessarily thought that a career in technology was what they were looking for during school. Probably like most I fell into it, found I had an aptitude towards it and never looked back.

What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position?

I try to empower the team, trust them to deliver and work with them when they require assistance. It’s a constant process of encouraging all within the business to discuss issues and problems they may encounter and feel comfortable asking for help. Historically I have probably been too involved, micromanaging, so a big effort nowadays to let go a little more and trust those around me to deliver their bit.

What do you think is the current hot talking point within the data centre space?

This has to be the cloud and its likely impact on the DC environment. It seems that 50% of the people you speak to will tell you DCs are dying and the other 50% that the future is bright.

How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office?

I’ve started to try and do a little more in the gym over the last two years to help stop the blood turning to jelly; I’m a big fan of rugby and coach/referee during the winter season.

In summer I race in the Monoposto open wheel championship. In fact, as I write this we are just one week away from the opening race meet at Donnington and I am due some luck this season.

What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?

For us its maintenance and ITAD, growing our team and expanding our geographic coverage to deliver maintenance solutions and asset disposal throughout Europe.

What are the region-specific challenges you encounter in your role?

Currently it’s tough to avoid Brexit and the outstanding job our politicians are doing to provide clarity to support British business in our decision making.

Outside this, much of my time is spent looking for scale-able solutions for the sales teams to sell, not just in the UK but throughout EMEA.

We’ve recently registered and opened a German office so a big focus on transferring skills and accreditations we currently hold within the UK to Germany.

What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months?

Managing Brexit/exposure to it must have been a big feature. We’ve opened an office in Germany to help support our parts forward stocking locations in case of turbulence with import/export regulations but also view Germany as a major opportunity for Procurri to grow into.

What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a senior position in the industry?

Go for it – it’s a work hard play hard industry so bring stamina. For the successful candidates it’s a rewarding career with opportunities for global travel.