Former SecureData MD joins SAP

By Audra Mahlong for SAP
Johannesburg, 12 May 2009

Former SecureData MD Brett Parker, who left under a cloud of controversy, has re-joined SAP. Parker has recently been appointed VP for emerging markets, small to medium enterprises (SME) in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region at SAP.

Parker, who joined SecureData in January 2007 as MD and COO, resigned following his surprise suspension by CEO Dave Brazier. The company promptly appointed Tony Nutter interim MD. A disciplinary hearing was scheduled to determine Parker's fate with the company - but it never went ahead as Parker tendered his resignation before it could be held.

SecureData then released a statement announcing Parker's immediate resignation, saying an “amicable settlement” had been reached. No reasons for Parker's suspension have been given - but speculation was that it was an attempt to get rid of him, as Parker resigned and Nutter's appointment was made permanent.

Parker's suspension and subsequent resignation caused a stir at SecureData. Two executive members also tendered their resignations. Marketing director Gretha Cockeran, and the company's services director, Phil Allock, also left the company for reasons unknown.

Full circle

Before joining Secure Data, Parker held various positions at SAP. He was previously the director for the small and medium-sized business operation of SAP Africa. He was later appointed VP, territory sales, EMEA for SAP AG.

As director for SME operations, Parker was previously responsible for market strategies for SAP solutions in the SME market. His appointment will see him return to this area, as he looks to further the success of the SAP solutions for the SME market in emerging markets.

Parker has more than 10 years' experience in sales, channel management and corporate leadership. He also previously held senior executive positions at Microsoft.