Diversity
CHAMPIONING WOMEN IN TECH
Michaela DeGale’s Operations Director – Consumer at Exertis UK. In
M
ichaela describes hers as a “squiggly career” that didn’t follow a traditional path. Aſter leaving college, she didn’t have the opportunity
to go to university and went straight into work, starting as a Sales Secretary at P&P Distribution in Lancashire. She quickly progressed to Sales Account Manager and Sales Manager before joining Computers Unlimited as Business Manager for brands such as Symantec, FileMaker, Adobe, and Macromedia. She was then recruited by Macromedia itself, becoming
Distribution Manager UK, and later took on a bigger role at Quark, managing distributors in Northern Europe. When she started her family, Michaela set up her own consultancy business working for herself, supporting major projects such as the set-up of third-party supply to Apple EMEA for Computers Unlimited. In 2014, Computers Unlimited was acquired by Exertis UK. Te
Apple account was subsequently integrated across Exertis teams and grew into a global account, providing Michaela with new opportunities to expand her leadership. “I really drove my development at that stage,” Michaela explains.
“I undertook a Lead programme internally and then progressed to Operations Director for the Consumer Business. Te company was very supportive in enabling me to grow and prepare for senior leadership.” Today, she is also completing a two-year Level 7 Senior Leader
Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Hertfordshire, due to graduate in March 2026. “I didn’t get the chance to go to university when I was younger
because I had to get a job straight away, so the fact I can now undertake this degree is something I’m really thankful to Exertis for supporting. I have had some great mentors throughout my career and continue to have them today. Balancing study and work can be challenging, but Exertis has created an environment that genuinely supports learning at all levels.” In her current role, Michaela is focused on delivering exceptional service to consumer channel customers by enabling the sales
18 | September/October 2025
teams, strengthening operational processes, and building long-term partnerships. Her collaborative leadership style empowers her team and drives sustainable growth. “I believe in listening carefully to customers and
colleagues to find solutions together. Creating an environment where people can do their best work is really important to me.” As a senior woman in tech and distribution, Michaela is
also passionate about representation and diversity in the channel. She is an advocate for Exertis’s broader Women in Tech initiatives, which aim to attract, support, and promote women across all levels of the business. “Representation really matters. Seeing women in senior roles helps
others believe they can do it too. I hope my own journey shows that with the right support and development, there are no limits to what you can achieve in this industry.” Her advice to those looking to advance in the sector is clear: “Be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Take opportunities
even when they seem daunting—that’s when you grow the most. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. Take on stretch projects— they’re a great way to learn. And invest in networking and building strong working relationships: those connections are invaluable throughout your career.” Jon Sutherland, Managing Director of Consumer at Exertis UK
Ltd, adds: “Michaela’s progression from Sales Manager to Director is exactly the
kind of story we’re proud to support. It demonstrates our commitment to investing in our people, giving them the opportunities to develop and thrive. Michaela brings huge value to our customers and our business.” Outside of work, Michaela is supported by her family—husband
Lewis and their two children, Zak (18) and Ruby (13), who she describes as her “two biggest achievements.” She enjoys walking, swimming, travelling and is an avid country music fan! As Exertis UK continues to focus on developing diverse talent
pipelines and supporting women in tech, Michaela DeGale stands out as an outstanding example of what’s possible with ambition, support and the right opportunities.
www.pcr-online.biz
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
