The security manufacturer TDSi has appointed Phil Tennent as its new International Business Development Director. With over 30 years of sales and international sales management experience, Phil, pictured, will head the access control company in overseas markets through its professional partners.
John Davies, Managing Director of TDSi said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Phil to the senior TDSi team. With a highly impressive track record of sales and business development, he is the perfect person to lead TDSi’s continued international growth at this exciting time as we embrace the considerable opportunities worldwide for growth following the pandemic.”
Phil said: “A number of factors drew me to this role, including it being a British manufacturer with a strong back catalogue in terms of product, reputation, quality, and longevity. It also presents me with a varied and challenging role with international travel, and to be part of a progressive business with a strong financial backing. TDSI is well known and respected, with trust and credibility in the market, great opportunities for organic growth, a strong partner network, a senior leadership team with high work ethics and family values, and a solid multifunctional team structure to support new and existing business.”
Phil started in the security industry in the early 1990s with Norbain Electronics (as the firm was then known) as a Field Engineer and then Field Sales. He was introduced to TDSi in the mid-1990s when the company appointed Norbain as a distributor. He then joined NICE Systems before being approached by Honeywell Security to head its sales team for the UK and Europe video division. As a further venture, Phil and his wife set up Marsolutions Language services for the technical sector as a family-run business before joining Pelco by Schneider Electric, with varied roles including Director of Distribution and Strategic Accounts, EMEA and finishing as Regional Sales Director Northern Europe.
Phil added: “Personally, I believe that the ‘Made in Britain’ flag carries a lot of weight on the international stage, especially in the Middle East and Africa. In addition, TDSi has a good reputation in the market, having been manufacturing access control products for the last 40 years. Advances in technology and aligning with future market trends is a key factor for maintaining product relevance. With the combined forces of the parent VITAPROTECH group, enhanced new product development and time to market will be very feasible. TDSi also has strong partner relations with key industry leaders, that enables systems to be fully integrated and supported.”
As for some of Phil’s background, he lived and worked on the Costa Blanca in Spain for eight years. When he is not working, he stays active as a keen golfer, cyclist and runner and is an active member of local community support group Clanfield Online, a Co-opted school Governor for a local infant school, a Council member and Vice Chair of the Association of language companies, and a Freeman of the City of London.
