Jim Pickup, the founder of Logitek, one of the most successful IT distribution companies of the 1980s, died on May 17th 2009. Jim created Logitek with business partner Peter Warburton to distribute Altos computers, the first multi-user micro computer to be sold via the reseller channel.

Throughout the 1980s, under Jim Pickup's leadership, Logitek pioneered the distribution model in the UK introducing many technologies and vendors that are now firmly part of the industry's heritage.

Jim's real legacy from this period is the large number of talented people that he gave their first break to, many of whom went on to leading positions with major manufacturers and others to run their own distribution and reseller companies.

"I can honestly say that my most successful and enjoyable periods of employment were closely associated to working with Jim. The legend of Logitek was created with him at the helm and I know that many successful companies and careers were spawned as a direct result of skills learned under his stewardship," commented Frank Noon, Sales Director during the 1980s with Logitek, and now Vice President of VXL Instruments Ltd.

"The environment within Logitek with Jim in charge was tremendously stimulating. His clear focus and strong stewardship enabled lots of talented people to explore their potential and hone their business and entrepreneurial skills. It is no fluke that Jim's team from this period went on to run some of the most successful IT companies of the last 20 years," commented John Chapman, Divisional Director of Logitek during the 1980s and now Business Development Director at IT Europa. "Jim will be remembered as a strong visionary leader who built one of the most successful businesses of its time."

Following Logitek, Jim went on the run Xenon in the 1990s before leaving the industry to move into the property market.

Jim leaves behind wife Elaine and children, Mark and Joanne