Microsoft LAR Bytes Technology has confirmed the exit of its sales director Zak Virdi and four members of its new business sales team.

Virdi left the company yesterday to join global software licensing firm SoftwareONE, a business partner of Bytes. Virdi’s role has already been filled by Mandy Nicholson who has been with the LAR for 13 years.

Four sales employees that had been with the LAR for a year as part of its new business team also left yesterday to pursue new sales positions at SoftwareONE.

Bytes revealed that the quartet have already been replaced, and said it plans to recruit three further staff to help with its UK expansion plans.

Darren Spence, Bytes group marketing director, said: “Zak wanted to focus on global expansion, which is not something that Bytes wants to pursue. We will focus on our UK model and work on building a solid foundation with UK businesses.

“Therefore the best strategy for Zak was to find a company that met his aspirations.”

He said Bytes informed Microsoft of the news yesterday and that the vendor is happy with the LAR’s plans.

“Zak going to SoftwareONE is a positive move as it means we will still benefit from his expertise. His role there is to build on global operations – this creates a combined strategy as the company will become the partner we want it to be,” added Spence.