Merisel announces expansion of sales organization; recruits Lawrence Tomon as vice president, sales operations, appoints Arthur Williams to director, technical support services

Business Wire, March 19, 1997

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 1997--Merisel Inc. (NASDAQ:MSEL) Wednesday announced the first in a series of initiatives to expand its sales organization, increase customer service levels and more aggressively target North American resellers.

The company is increasing staff and putting new strategies in place in its technical support and sales operations areas. Arthur Williams and Lawrence Tomon recently joined Merisel as director of technical support services and vice president of sales operations, respectively.

"The changes in technical support and sales operations are part of a bigger initiative impacting the entire sales organization," said Merisel's Senior Vice President, U.S. Sales, Jim Wittry. "We're adding resources and making significant changes in all areas that interface with the customer. Larry and Art are strong additions to Merisel's sales team and they'll play key roles in our aggressive plans to increase customer service levels in 1997."

Williams brings more than 15 years of industry experience to Merisel in the areas of sales support, customer service and project management. Williams joined Merisel in 1993 as director, technical support services and left the company in 1995 to serve as managing director of the information technology group at Korn/Ferry International. He returns to Merisel to oversee the company's Technical Support Services departments in El Segundo, Calif., Cary, N.C. and Marlborough, Mass. Under Williams' direction, the company is doubling its technical support staff, increasing training from top manufacturers and restructuring the department by focusing on current technologies: WAN/LAN, Internet, systems platforms, operating systems, and peripherals. In addition, Merisel is implementing telephone system and infrastructure upgrades to expedite access to technical support engineers.

"This is an extremely exciting time to be with Merisel as we begin to set new industry standards in customer service. We're making a number of significant changes to benefit all of our customers," said Williams. "Within the next several weeks, results should be evidenced through better service, higher levels of specialization by technology and faster resolution of technical issues."

In addition, Tomon brings more than 20 years of industry experience to Merisel. He previously served in management positions in sales, marketing and operations at Centon Electronics Inc., Always Technology and Hamilton/Avnet Computers. As Merisel's vice president of sales operations, Tomon is responsible for delivering increased customer service levels through the sales team by furthering automation of the sales process, implementing multi-level sales associate training programs, enhancing sales tools and increasing the information available to sales associates. Tomon will lead the company's efforts to provide Merisel's sales associates with enhanced information, system automation and training programs.

"With better training, product information and sales tools, such as the add-on product function, which reveals complete product solutions at the touch of a button, Merisel's sales representatives will be much more knowledgeable and able to offer faster, more efficient service to our reseller customers," stated Tomon.

Merisel is a leader in the distribution of computer hardware and software products. Merisel distributes a full line of 25,000 products from the industry's leading manufacturers to more than 45,000 resellers throughout North America. Merisel offers extensive support services, including training, marketing, technical support, configuration, merchandising, telemarketing, information services and third-party financing.

CONTACT: Merisel Inc., El Segundo

Leslie J. Sinfield, 310/615-6490

leslie.sinfield@merisel.com