“I don’t take this responsibility lightly”: Alloys appoints Louis Mittoni as its new CEO

Former CEO Paul Harman stepped down after 19 years at the helm.

Aussie distributor Alloys has appointed Louis Mittoni as its new CEO, succeeding Paul Harman who was at the helm for 19 years.

Mittoni is the third person to sit in the chief executive chair. Harman told CRN Australia, after 19 years of running the business, he wanted to focus on other projects.

He noted that this is a “great opportunity” for the business.

“It is also a great opportunity for the business to have a new voice after such a long period with the same leader,” he said.

His next role will be in the leadership coaching and consulting space.

“I have had the opportunity to do this work part time over the last few years and I have a passion to assist other businesses, particularly in the SME and family space achieve what they desire,” he said.

For Mittoni, accepting this role was an “easy decision” once he got to know Alloys.

“Over nearly 45 years Alloys has built something rare - a genuine specialist culture, deep partner relationships, and a team of real talent and integrity,” he told CRN Australia.

“Having spent more than 20 years in this industry building my own business, albeit in a different segment, I understand how special that foundation is. I felt honoured to be asked to help carry it forward.”

Harman called Mittoni a “standout” candidate with his “deep understanding of business, distribution and family business”.

“His attention to detail and his capacity to build operational performance will add significantly to the Alloys platform which made him the perfect person to take the business to the next level,” he said.

Stepping into this role, Mittoni is excited about the people.

“Harman and the team have built a values-driven business with deep specialist expertise across its divisions, and I’m excited to work alongside such a talented group,” he said.

“There’s a great platform here to keep growing and to keep delivering real value for our vendors and reseller partners.”

As CEO, Mittoni’s first priority is to “listen and learn”.

“To spend time with our people, customers and vendors and understand what makes Alloys work so well,” he said.

“From there it’s about building on the strong foundation Harman and the management team have left, supporting our teams, and continuing to grow each of our divisions thoughtfully.

“I’m not here to change what makes Alloys special; I’m here to help it thrive into its next chapter.”

He added, “I don’t take this responsibility lightly.

“Alloys has a proud history and a talented team, and my focus is on doing right by our team and the wider channel as we move into the next chapter. I’m grateful to Harman for such a generous handover, and excited to get to work.”

Harman’s favourite memory

After being at Alloys for nearly two decades, Harman finds it hard to find a specific favourite memory. However, he said he is “incredibly proud” of the culture they have created at Alloys.

“We have paid tribute to the legacy of a business that is 44 years old and have never forgot what the business values,” he explained.

“I have been able to have genuine conversations and build lifelong relationships with the team members, suppliers and customers that I will forever treasure.”

When asked what advice he has for Mittoni, Harman said his protégé is “incredibly experienced and qualified for the role”.

“The only advice I could give is to continue to play to his strengths and maintain his authenticity which is such a trademark of him as a person and leader,” he said.

Harman noted that it has been a deep passion of his to work in and lead this business. He said it is hard to walk away from it.

“I will completely privileged to have had the opportunity to lead and represent Alloys for this period.

“I hand over the custodianship of leadership to Louis with confidence that the business could not be in better hands or a better position to drive further success,” he ended.