Dr Ali Baghdadi, Senior Vice President and Chief Country Executive for Ingram Micro META, has spent decades at the forefront of the IT and channel industry, witnessing its evolution firsthand. Starting as a computer scientist, his journey into the distribution business began by building his own company, Aptec, in 1980. Over time, it grew into a regional powerhouse and eventually became part of Ingram Micro in 2012. Today, under his leadership, Ingram Micro operates across 14 locations in the Middle East and continues to redefine value-added distribution.
Dr Baghdadi believes that the channel has moved far beyond traditional hardware fulfilment to a space driven by partnerships, innovation, and strategic enablement. Value-added distributors today are expected to offer more than products—they must empower partners with technical expertise, financial support, and service capabilities. AI and cybersecurity, in particular, are reshaping the channel landscape. Ingram Micro’s AI-powered Xvantage platform and cybersecurity tools like Eyesight are examples of how the company is enabling partners to thrive in an increasingly digital and threat-prone world.
He also acknowledges the challenges partners face, ranging from finance and training to navigating regulatory frameworks. By investing in education, certifications, and university collaborations, Ingram Micro is addressing the growing skills gap in the META region.
For Dr Baghdadi, the future lies in nurturing startups, supporting digital transformation, and strengthening cybersecurity. His message to the channel is clear: embrace innovation, focus on value, support your customers, and stay committed to excellence in a maturing and competitive market.
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