Plugable, a leading computer accessories company for both home and work spaces, announces the appointment of Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy to Plugable Technologies as Chief Executive Officer. Following her role as President and CEO of StarTech.com, Smurthwaite-Murphy served as a Partner Advisor under the Inc. CEO Project, while also serving as a strategic advisor to Plugable’s executive team since late 2020 during an exciting period of growth for Plugable. Plugable has experienced high double-digit year-over-year growth in the last five years, with 2021 already exceeding expectations. Bernie Thompson, Plugable’s founder and former CEO, will step into the role of Chief Technology Officer.
“I have experienced companies at all stages of their life cycle, and my favorite time to work with them is truly during the growth phase,” said Smurthwaite-Murphy. “Plugable is at an exciting and pivotal point in their growth, and I am looking forward to building on this great foundation and culture that Bernie and his team have established.”
In the new role, Smurthwaite-Murphy has big plans to play on Plugable’s strengths and disrupt a traditional industry. Through market observations, Plugable knows there are pain points among consumers that can be solved through a deep understanding of the technology challenges of connecting this with that. As an information technology company, Plugable will aim to solve the ongoing compatibility challenges that technology users face when working from home, an office, or anywhere in between. Immediately, Smurthwaite-Murphy will use her previous experience working on all sides of the IT channels - resellers, distributors, and vendors - in the B2B space to create expanded distribution channels and build on the current Amazon presence to influence tech users.
Plugable is an American brand, with a great depth of understanding around the complex technology required to achieve simple compatibility. The company mission is to deliver better products enabled by better information and better support. This customer support is offered by the U.S.-based product team who are uniquely positioned to quickly resolve any issues that arise. This is a “born on Amazon” business that knows how to succeed on the most competitive platform in the world. Plugable has something unique to offer the B2B IT channel as they navigate ecommerce, and the disruption Amazon is driving in their space; that is marketplace expertise.
In her most recent role as CEO, Smurthwaite-Murphy led Startech.com in 50% top line growth, while also increasing profits, through a focus on channel strategy and B2B sales. This was achieved by driving a healthy culture and tapping into the momentum that can deliver. Similarly, Smurthwaite-Murphy also gained significant experience through her 18 years at Westcon Comstor, during which they grew from $200 million in two countries to $7 billion in 70 countries, both organically as well as through mergers and acquisitions, which led to her passion for strategic direction and high growth transformations.
Smurthwaite-Murphy is no stranger to working with founder-led companies and will work handin-hand with Thompson. In Thompson’s transition to CTO, he will focus on product innovation and development. With a passion for technology and information, previously working with major software companies Microsoft and DisplayLink, Thompson will keep a significant role in Plugable’s continued growth and upcoming efforts.
“We’re seeing a persistent issue across a variety of industries in supply chain management, which ultimately is hurting both companies and consumers. The issues, largely caused by overseas production, are going to have a lasting impact and I believe we have the capabilities to bring those efforts closer to home,” said Thompson. “I’m extremely excited to bring Lynn into this role since her expertise will allow the time to dedicate more to product development, machine learning, and robotics which apply to two of our core mandates; better product and better information. These are the keys to a local manufacturing renaissance. It will be a goal of ours to minimize delays, increase innovation and better serve those interested in our products.”
With lofty goals of bringing ease to the complicated world of hybrid and remote work, Plugable has proven that businesses can excel with a remote workforce. The company went remote in 2020 and has since hired 70% more remote and hybrid work roles than in-person positions. In total, 86% of the Plugable office are hybrid and fully remote employees, including Smurthwaite-Murphy who is a fully remote CEO after 10 years of experience working in remote offices across North America.
Important statistics from Plugable’s independent surveys on remote work from the employee and employer perspective found that beyond the sedentary lifestyle (41%) and being distracted by family members (37%), remote workers find the lack of a productive space for work (34%) and tech issues (33%) most challenging about working from home. These are the very issues that Plugable aim’s to help resolve as the hybrid work environment becomes a permanent way of working.
About Plugable
Plugable Technologies is a US-based electronics company that has been trusted by IT professionals and prosumers for over a decade. Plugable offers a wide range of universal products that are tested to fit any desk environment with guaranteed compatibility. Their local support team consists of the very engineers who design their products, and their industry-leading product information gives you the confidence you need to find the right solution for your workspace. Plugable’s products are sold internationally in the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.
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