In the relentless pursuit of business success, the need for cutting-edge technology is imperative. A company’s ability to flourish is intricately tied to the efficiency of its IT systems. Here, strategic leadership becomes the cornerstone of success. Jagat Shah is one such exemplary leader who is taking giant strides in the information technology sector. He serves as the Chairman & CEO of MITSUMI Distribution, a company that has not only weathered the challenges of the dynamic tech industry but has emerged as a trailblazer in IT infrastructure distribution.
The company’s mission, rooted in providing appropriate and affordable technologies to the Middle East and Africa region, has not only stood the test of time but has thrived in an ever-evolving market. With a rich 25 years of experience in the field, Jagat’s leadership has been instrumental in steering the company to unparalleled heights in the tech landscape.
From Engineer to Business Leader
Evolving from a Computer Engineer in India to leading a multinational conglomerate, Jagat Shah’s journey is a narrative of challenges, opportunities, and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning. In 1998, Jagat, alongside his brother Mitesh Shah, embarked on the MITSUMI Distribution odyssey, laying the foundation with MITSUMI Computer Garage Ltd. Beginning as a modest computer repair and services venture, this endeavor transformed into a thriving story of dedication and business acumen.
At the pinnacle of success, leadership becomes crucial, and Jagat, alongside MITSUMI, stands as a testament to this reality. Jagat’s remarkable success includes accolades such as the Outstanding Channel Executive of the Year award. His journey at MITSUMI mirrors not only personal growth but also the dynamic landscape of the tech industry itself.
Comprehensive Product Offerings
MITSUMI Distribution stands out with its diverse portfolio, offering authorized IT, Telco, and Enterprise products and services. The spectrum includes cloud computing, hardware, teleco, networking, servers, and storage solutions.
What makes MITSUMI Distribution unique is not just the comprehensive range but also the foundation of strong partnerships with industry giants like DellTechnologies, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Hitachi, Canon, Toshiba, and more. This network allows the company to deliver quality products and personalized customer services, fostering relationships built on trust and reliability.
The company acknowledges the vital role of continuous learning. Emphasizing this, it places a strong focus on ongoing training for partners, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest products and solutions. In the tech industry, staying updated is the essential key to cultivating expertise and remaining at the forefront of advancements.
Under Jagat’s leadership, MITSUMI has expanded its presence across 25 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Partnering with over 20 vendors, the company has excelled in providing exceptional distribution services, logistic solutions, and customer support to a network of over 3200 partners.
Triumph in Tech
Tech is a competitive industry and a company’s true standing is revealed through its accomplishments. MITSUMI has consistently set the pace in achieving milestones since its inception. This commitment to excellence was recently underscored when the company secured the prestigious TOP DISTRIBUTOR of the Year award at the Channel Partner Conclave Awards, courtesy of GEC Media Group and IT Training Provider of the Year award at the Intelligent ICT Awards 2023, highlighting MITSUMI’s dedication to fostering knowledge and skill development.
The company’s growth is evident in its expansion efforts, establishing offices in Morocco, DRC, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa in the current year alone. With a vision aimed at a broader horizon, the company aspires to be present in every country in Africa and the Middle East, with the UAE playing a pivotal role. This dynamic progress is further exemplified by the recent establishment of a 75,000-square-feet Mitsumi Logistics center (MLC) in Jebel Ali, Dubai.
In addition to these achievements, MITSUMI has garnered recognition as HP Distributor of the Year, clinched the Canon DRBG Special Recognition Award, and earned accolades from industry giants such as Dell Technologies, Kioxia, Toshiba, and more. These global recognitions include honors like Africa Distributor of the Year at the EMEA Channel Academy Awards and the DISTREE Diamond Award for distributors in Kenya. However, beyond accolades, MITSUMI’s ethos is deeply rooted in empowerment, serving as a beacon of innovation, service, and collaborative triumph—a collective journey of growth and achievement for all involved.
Early Days and Challenges
In the early days, Jagat faced the typical challenges of any startup—limited resources, fierce competition, and the need to establish a foothold across all regions. Despite these hurdles, MITSUMI Distribution’s innovative approach and commitment to delivering quality services propelled it to emerge as a prominent player in the Kenyan IT market.
The linchpin of the company’s enduring success can be traced to its dedicated employees. Through its unwavering commitment, adaptability, strategic expansion, loyalty, and relentless pursuit of excellence, the company overcame the challenges and solidified its position in the IT industry.
Fostering Excellence in Team Dynamics
Jagat has always been an advocate of keeping employees happy and creating a sound, positive work environment for them. No amount of potential gets wasted if the employees are aligned with the company’s goal. MITSUMI places a premium on cultivating a positive work culture that nurtures innovation and invests in continuous learning. This approach ensures that the team remains at the forefront of industry trends, driving their collective journey toward excellence.
In acknowledging the loyalty and dedication of the team, trust emerges as a cornerstone of the company’s success. It’s the collective spirit and dedication of the workforce that truly sets the company apart in the competitive landscape. Today, with over 320 skilled professionals operating across 25+ in-country offices throughout the Middle East and Africa region, the team stands as the bedrock of MITSUMI’s success. The dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of the professionals have been pivotal in propelling the company’s growth over the years.
A People-First Approach
While it may be pivotal to keep the people working inside the company happy, it is equally crucial to keep the clients happy as well. Happy customers create word of mouth and do marketing like no other strategy could. After all, people trust people. Keeping this very thought in mind, MITSUMI Distribution is actively engaged in cultivating robust partnerships with over 3,200 valued collaborators. Each Customer partnership holds paramount significance in the company’s operations. Placing partners at the forefront of every decision, MITSUMI prioritizes their needs and aspirations with a dedicated commitment to providing exceptional service and value.
To empower these partners, the company extends a range of facilities, including credit options, dedicated sales teams, comprehensive training, and marketing support. The company’s ethos revolves around the belief that true growth is a collaborative journey. Thus, at MITSUMI, they are not just distributors; they are partners in success, dedicated to fostering mutual growth and prosperity.
Navigating the New Normal
The dynamics of work within and outside companies worldwide have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jagat’s insightful perspective, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a business landscape characterized by a blend of challenges and opportunities. The rapid acceleration towards digitalization, coupled with the pervasive adoption of remote work trends, has induced a profound transformation in the way businesses operate. This paradigm shift has been accompanied by an intensified focus on resilience and innovation, forcing organizations to reevaluate and adapt their strategies to stay competitive.
Successful leaders navigating this transformed terrain must embody agility, recognizing the importance of quick and effective decision-making. Prioritizing the well-being of employees and fostering a culture of adaptability becomes paramount in sustaining and enhancing organizational success. Furthermore, leveraging technology emerges as a key imperative, offering a strategic advantage to those who harness its capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the dynamic global market. Jagat sees the post-COVID-19 business scenario as a forward-looking approach, where leaders strategically navigate challenges while embracing the abundant opportunities for growth and innovation.
Into New Frontiers
Forward-thinking is imperative, and MITSUMI Distribution exemplifies this by employing strategic expansion fueled by dynamic making and thorough market assessments. By consistently venturing into uncharted sectors and expanding geographically, each move of the company reflects a forward-looking approach, establishing it as a leader in the market.
Recognizing the escalating demand in the Enterprise sector, MITSUMI strategically fortifies its presence. Furthermore, the company plans to unveil a dedicated website featuring cutting-edge cloud solutions. Navigating expansion with swiftness and precision, the company’s mission is to extend its footprint across Africa and the Middle East. This forward-thinking strategy, coupled with insightful forecasting, positions MITSUMI Distribution at the forefront of shaping the technology landscape.
Resilience, Innovation, and the Essence of Success
Jagat believes in the strength of perseverance and innovation, echoing his favorite quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This concise yet profound mantra reflects the spirit of resilience and determination that has been a driving force in Jagat’s transformative journey with MITSUMI Distribution.
Moreover, Jagat firmly believes that innovation is and will always be the key to business growth. It serves as a fundamental driver of sustainable progress, guiding his company through the ever-evolving business landscape. Whether through the adoption of new technologies, exploration of untapped markets, or the development of groundbreaking solutions, innovation stands as the linchpin for maintaining relevance. Jagat emphasizes that his venture’s success is intricately tied to its ability to innovate, keeping the company at the forefront of the industry.
Continuing Legacy
MITSUMI Distribution—from a humble beginning with a single product and a team of two to becoming an international business group across various sectors—is a testament to his unwavering commitment and adaptability. Beyond mere presence, Jagat and MITSUMI place a profound emphasis on providing quality service to their partners. Whether ensuring swift responses or addressing unique needs personally, their goal is not solely to expand their reach but to enrich the experience for all those who join them on this remarkable journey.
Under Jagat’s leadership, the company continues to evolve in the technology landscape with its dedication to fostering robust connections and empowering nations remains steadfast. Jagat’s ethos of collaboration, innovation, and a people-centric approach defines not just its past achievements but shapes a promising trajectory for the future of the company.
