28 May 2020, Why Vianet
As Vianet continue to grow, and the product offering evolves, Smart Machines expands once again. In the last month we have welcomed some fantastic new employees into the team to really help drive the Smart Machines division forward at a key time in the industry as we see a shift in consumerism along with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vianet Smart Machines mission is to be the recognised leader in delivering unparalleled insight and actionable information that is game-changing for their customers, delivering unrivalled insight that drives real change.
Introducing Vianet’s new recruits, who show huge potential, with a variety of backgrounds and strengths, yet they all share a mutual hunger to drive the success of the business.
Mark has over 25 years sales and business development experience in many different types of business including, finance, vending and more recently food service. Marks role as Sales Director is to provide strategic direction and provide support in helping his sales team develop strategies for growth for new and existing Vianet customers. In his spare time, Mark has a real passion for Everton (sorry!) Rugby, golf and spending quality time with his family.
Chris joined the Smart Machines Team in April 2020 as a Business Development Manager, specialising in working with Vending Manufacturers and Brands. His role takes him across the whole of the UK, looking to win new business with blue chip clients, developing strong relationships in the network and ensuring each customer sees significant revenue growth through our product offerings. Outside of work, you’ll probably find Chris in the gym, playing football, or out for food and drinks with friends and family.
Alex joined Smart Machines in April 2020 as a Business Development Manager, tasked to help grow and develop new business with vending operators. Alex has a strong track record in achieving results, with a media and IT focused background. Alex loves a good challenge and will see things through no matter what! In his spare time, Alex enjoys an occasional round of golf with friends. He’s also an avid boxing fan and keeps himself entertained producing music and attending gigs.
Paul has over 6 years experience within Business Development and Sales roles since starting at Virgin Trains within their corporate sales team whilst obtaining his Business Management Degree. Since then, he has worked within Commercial Interior Design and Recruitment, hunting new business and developing existing customer relationships. Paul has now been at Vianet 8 months as part of the new Direct Sales team driving contactless and telemetry, forming relationships throughout Vending and the various sectors. When Paul’s not in the office, you’ll find him at Old Trafford with his head in his hands as a Man Utd season ticket holder, in a music studio or DJ booth at clubs across Europe, on a beach or sometimes the gym.
Grace also joined Chris & Alex at Vianet in April 2020 with responsibility for developing the Food service sector. Grace is well-organised individual with an infectious personality that thrives on hard work. Graces energy and passion, and can-do attitude will enable her to be a real success in this marketplace. Outside of work, Grace really enjoys walking her dog Ralph and going out and having fun with the girls.
Rachel has over 10 years’ experience in marketing and has worked in many different industries and disciplines giving her vast experience with a wide variety of marketing platforms. She has joined the Vianet Group to bring the marketing function in house and aid to drive the Smart Machines and Smart Zones products forward with marketing insight, increased reach and coverage and improving brand awareness. Outside of the office, Rachel loves all things travel, food and fitness, and loves to get away on new adventures, especially to the alps snowboarding in the winter months.
With the expansion of this division, over the next 2 years, Vianet hope to increase the number of readers in it’s Smart Machines portfolio by 500%. That sounds like a big number, but almost 90% of the readers Vianet already have in the marketplace today have been added in the last 2 years. It’s a demonstration of how quickly the market is coming to maturity.
Vending operators are choosing to use contactless with telemetry or have telemetry on its own because of the shifts in consumerism. There’s been a huge expansion of telemetry in the table-top coffee machine market, whilst machines selling snacks cans, bottles or food – plus some coffee machines – depending on where they are located – are equipped with telemetry and contactless.
Vianet are very excited to have these new additions on board and hope this exciting growth will help to drive Smart Machines division forward to make their vision of the future a reality.
