Intelisys Promotes Cook, Who Calls ScanSource Acquisition a 'Transformational Moment'

**Editor’s Note: Click here to see which channel people were on the move in July.**

The new leader of Intelisys’ western region says ScanSource’s $83.6 million acquisition of the master agent/distributor will have a transformational impact on the channel.

Intelisys has named J.R. Cook senior vice president of its western region, promoting him from his role as SVP of business development. Cook said he looks forward to working in a region so historically connected to the California-based company.

“Some of our most tenured and longtime, loyal sales partners reside in the West, and I want to make sure they get all the support and attention that they need so that they can take advantage of what I believe to be probably one of the most exciting times in the channel, as many of their customers are looking toward digital transformation and looking to that trusted consultant,” Cook told Channel Partners.

Cook said his role will consist of providing maximum support to partners and expanding the Intelisys team for the region. That includes hiring new members for the support team.

“At the end of the day, we at Intelisys needed to have the right leadership managing our western region, and … the timing to me made it just a much more exciting opportunity. What an amazing opportunity to lead the western region as we take advantage of this amazing transformation we’re seeing happening in our industry, and I’m just excited to be a part of it.”{ad}

It’s hard to write about Intelisys without mentioning the monumental ScanSource buy, which Cook said makes his new job even more exciting.

“I think the ScanSource acquisition clearly validated [that] this channel is much more than just another distribution channel. It is quickly becoming the leading distribution channel in which customers are available to access services [and] solutions, as well as hardware through a distribution model, which ScanSource has done successfully for 20-plus years.”

He said he’s grateful to be connected to sales partners as they participate in the convergence of IT and telecom. The acquisition, he said, will prove to be “one of the most transformational periods in the history of the channel.”

“I don’t think we fully even appreciate yet what this opportunity means for Intelisys, our sales partners — as well as the entire channel,” he said.

Cook’s previous role in business development involved working to help the distributor expand internationally. He joined the company in 2014 after channel-heavy roles at TelePacific and Earthlink Business.

“J.R. has created tremendous excitement within the channel community and has been invaluable as we expand into new markets,” noted Jay Bradley, president of Intelisys.