By Matthew Henry

SYDNEY: Belkin managing director, Mike Bell, has announced his resignation after seven years with the IT and CE accessories maker in which the business grew seven-fold, but Bell has confirmed that although he has left the company he will continue in an advisory role.

"The years I have spent with Belkin have been extremely rewarding and I am now looking forward to new challenges. I am very proud of the team I have built, and the great state of the organisation. It is extremely well positioned for the future, and I have great confidence that it will continue to perform well for its customers,” said Bell in a statement yesterday.

Accroding to the company, the Belkin business increased its sales by sevenfold during Bell’s tenure.

Belkin chief executive officer, Chet Pipkin, who has worked with Bell during his entire seven-year term, paid tribute to Bell’s leadership in the company.

"He has taken a business from revenues of just a few million dollars a year to one that is a recognised technology leader throughout the Australian and New Zealand markets,” said Pipkin.

Belkin finance and operations director, Jeremy Atwood, will assume immediate responsibility for the organisation on an interim basis.

According to Belkin, while Bell will have no continued direct involvement with the company he will still play an advisory role to Pipkin.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Mike, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him. We plan on having a very interactive relationship and dialog, and I look forward to his continued support and counsel, as we move into this next phase of our relationship. I thank him for his contribution to the company and for his support and guidance. I also wish him all the very best for the future,” said Pipkin in a statement.