HP has promoted product marketing manager, Paul Robson, to sales director for its Solutions Partner Organisation (SPO). He fills the hole left by Martin Dare, who resigned in February after six years with the company.

Robson started with Compaq in 1999 as product marketing manager for professional workstations. He also spent time in its thin client and monitor divisions. He was most recently group marketing of product marketing for its Personal Systems Group (PSG), where he dealt with HP's direct and TeleWeb team, as well as managed SMB and partner marketing.

Robson steps into the new role from May 7. He will be responsible for partner engagement, driving sales growth and liaising across the vendor's channel business.

In a statement, HP vice-president of PSG, Tony Bill, said Robson's sales experience and proven track record would put him in good steed to enhance and expand the vendor's local business.

HP was unable to comment further on the appointment at this stage.