Jon Wayne is a 22-year veteran of HP serving across all the company’s core business units. Currently, he is VP of Americas Supplies Sales for HP Inc.
In this role, Wayne is responsible for the go-to-market channel strategy and overall performance of the US Supplies business. Previously, he held the role of VP for US Distribution.
OPI: What drew you to transition from the Hardware business to run the Supplies business?
Jon Wayne: The launch of HP Inc. created an exciting opportunity to help grow an integral part of HP’s business. The new role has given me an opportunity to learn a new part of the HP business with a seasoned team of HP supplies experts spanning SMB, retail and end-user communities.
OPI: How have you tried to shape and influence your organization since taking the lead?
JW: I’m a huge proponent of the channel as a core part of our long-term growth strategy, and I love that HP has such a strong channel heritage from which to build. Our channel partners have long been at the center of HP’s long-term growth strategy, and as such we continue to be laser-focused on making decisions that set our partners up for success.
I have so much respect for our partner community and truly value their feedback and input to help inform the development of our channel strategy and programs.
OPI: What is the current state of the Qualified Partner Program?
JW: The feedback on the HP Qualified Partner Program has been overwhelmingly positive from the partner community. Qualified has enabled us to significantly improve our customer experience and strengthen the HP brand; a good example of this is the consistent online shopping experience content we have been able to deliver through the wholesaler and independent reseller communities.
The Qualified Program has also enabled HP to stabilize the partner base that leads with original HP ink and toner and considers it a significant and core part of their overall portfolio.
OPI: What’s coming up for Supplies in 2017?
JW: Supplies market stabilization is a key focus and a constant theme for the HP leadership team. Our goal is to maximize OEM opportunities in the channel with our partner base to drive share gain across all market segments.
We spend a lot of time listening to our partners, and we want to focus on developing the right programs for them to be successful with our mutual customers.
OPI: Please tell me about your participation in City of Hope (CoH).
JW: I wanted to continue HP’s strong tradition of giving and support for City of Hope, and the number of events that HP and the OP industry supports.
HP’s commitment to serving our communities is stronger than ever. We have several senior leaders at HP who are passionate about CoH, and we are excited to continue our tradition of supporting the amazing work being driven by CoH’s research.
Stephanie Dismore, VP and General Manager of Americas Channels at HP Inc. recently joined the National Business Products Council for City of Hope, while Pete Klauck, Director of Supplies Distribution at HP Inc. is heavily involved in many CoH fundraising events. I’m proud to work together with HP leaders who are so committed to supporting such a great cause.
OPI: I believe you took part in the Bike for Hope. How was that?
JW: I did, and I was so humbled to be part of the Bike for Hope team with several technology industry friends, riding 500 miles in five days.
It was an incredible experience to generate more awareness – and raise funds for CoH in a non-traditional environment. We also had a great time during the event.
