Meet Toby Kirk, MSP Account Manager
Let’s start with an easy one… tell us a little about yourself Toby
I joined Planet IT in September 2023 having come from a range of working backgrounds. Most recently I was working for a Private Healthcare organisation managing their new clients and their marketing whilst also being solely responsible for their IT systems for a multi-unit franchise.
I’ve always had an interest in the world of IT both inside & outside of work. As soon as the opportunity to combine them in a role at Planet IT I jumped at the chance.
Can you explain your journey to Planet IT?
I’d been in Planet IT’s ‘orbit’ for some time as a customer. The last 2 organisations I worked for had used Planet IT for everything from hardware purchases to firewalls & security. I’d always been attracted to the excellent service I was receiving as a customer and when a role came up that allowed me to bring my interest and experience in IT to may day to day I had to go for the role!
You’re relatively new to your current role, but you’re excelling! Why do you think it suits you so well?
I think it’s the fact that having been the IT Manager for a multi-unit SME I have a great understanding of what the customer needs from me as their account manager. I love getting out to my client’s offices and meeting them and their teams in person, and finding out what their organisation is focused on so that I can align their IT technologies alongside their plans to grow and sustain robust IT systems. I always aim to deliver a relationship-led service which has all of my clients at the heart of everything I do.
What sort of clients do you like working with?
I have such a wide variety of clients across many different industries. It sounds cliched, but I love working with all of them and understanding what IT systems they need to best support their work. It keeps the job fresh for me, and no day is the same.
What technologies are making the most impact to your client’s businesses?
Technology moves incredibly fast these days but many of my clients are making the move to Azure and implementing applications such as Intune and Endpoint management applications. I’m also seeing a huge deal of interest in the implementation of Microsoft Copilot which has been an exciting product to get out there also.
What challenges do you face in your role?
No day is the same but I wouldn’t see it as challenge per say but it keeps me on my toes keeps me learning everyday!
What is it like to work at Planet IT?
In my short time working at Planet IT I have had the incredible opportunity to meet some amazing people and do some fantastic things with my clients and colleagues. Planet IT is like no other organisation that I have ever worked for, it doesn’t feel like work when I leave in the morning!
What has been your favourite Planet memory so far, and what are you looking forward to?
It was great to part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations and hear the journey that Planet IT has come on in those 20 years. Still being young on my time here, I look forward to experiencing more of what Planet IT has to offer!
What makes you tick outside work?
Outside of work I spend a lot of time with my family, I have a wife and 1 year old son who keep me very busy. However, in the odd spare moment I do get I love cooking and if the weather is good you can often find me on the Golf Course.
If you were to give advice to a young person thinking of entering the world of IT – what would it be?
There’s so many areas of IT, try to explore as much as you can and find what you enjoy the most!
