David Bugeja, General Manager
David Bugeja is a familiar face around the MP office and among our partners, having worked with Manage Protect as Head of Sales for around 7 years before dipping his toe outside of IT for a couple of years.
Following his passion and values, we’re thrilled to welcome David back into the MP fold, serving our partners and leading our operations as General Manager.
Get to know David a little more…
When did you join Manage Protect?
Originally joined the Manage Protect Team in 2014, from the other side of the fence as a regionally based MSP buying what was then known as Soonr. After some prompting and the occasional message with Andrew Johnson, I made the leap into vendor land in August 2018 as the Southern Region Partner Manager then shortly followed by becoming the Sales Manager for Manage Protect. In 2022 some may call it a mid life “career” crisis, I took a slightly different path outside of IT, however found myself drawn back into the channel and with Manage Protect as of May 2024. No I didn’t buy a Porsche or Harley Davidson.
What is your role at Manage Protect? Tell us about what you do.
I have come back to Manage Protect as the General Manager, a slightly different role with some new responsibilities, however maintaining the same ethos of Team First and the Partner Experience. Being only back for a couple of months one of my first priorities is to understand from partners first-hand what is important to them, and what they need in a partner / distributor relationship. As things move so quickly in this industry, what is important today isn’t necessary the same thing tomorrow. With that feedback in mind, discussing our customers needs with the team internally and turning those needs into something valuable for our partners.
What’s your favourite part about the job?
Having always loved technology, I would be lying if I didn’t say that I enjoy having a front row seat here at Manage Protect experiencing first hand what true innovation and integration is and what role it can play for not only our partners but also all the way through to the end user. Solving real world problems with technology that makes sense!
Outside of the technology, I don’t think I would have ever dreamed of coming back to a place that I consider my workplace, but also to a team that I truly consider family if it wasn’t for the people within that team. When the values of each individual are aligned, it is amazing how much can be achieved with so little friction.
What did you do before Manage Protect? Tell us a bit about your background.
With having almost 25 years experience in the IT Industry, ranging from being a level 1 technician, through to running service desks, project coordination, operations and sales management, this has provided me with an extremely good insight into the needs and challenges of what it means to run and operate a business in the IT industry, whilst trying to juggle some sort of lifestyle outside of the business.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I have three boys and a very patient wife. The boys ranging from 21, 19 and 12 years of age who all have very unique personalities that I couldn’t be prouder of. Outside of the family I am personally motivated by all things self development be that physically, mentally and professionally. Then sharing my experiences and learnings (good and bad) with others to help them grow and break through any challenges they may be experiencing themselves.
What is your choice of beverage?
I would have to say I generally don’t say no to a good latte, however when I am looking to let my hair down 😛 A good single malt on the rocks won’t be far away.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?
To build on what Manage Protect has done for our partners over the last 16 years, to continue innovating and deliver the best of breed services and systems to our customers whilst indirectly supporting and securing literally 10s of thousands of small and medium businesses across Australia and New Zealand.