OREANDA-NEWS. August 22, 2012. Dr. James Poisant, Secretary General of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), visited IBA Minsk, reported the press-centre of IBA. 

Dr. Poisant came to Minsk at the invitation of the Belarusian IT Association Infopark, a WITSA member since June 20, 2012. The program of the visit included gaining an insight into the Belarusian IT industry, as well as discussing possibilities for registering Belarus as a global partner of WITSA and for holding in Belarus the 2014 Board Meeting of WITSA, the 2015 Global Public Policy Summit, and the 2018 World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT).

During the meeting at IBA Minsk, Dr. Poisant showed interest in the development of the Belarusian IT industry and education, as well as in employee support. He said that “the difference between winning and losing in a competitive environment is service and service is rendered by employees-treat your people like you want them to treat your customers. Take care of your people. Your people will take care of your customers and the money will take care of itself.”

About Dr. Poisant

Dr. James Henry Poisant was appointed the Secretary General of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) in June, 2006. In that capacity, he directs the day-to-day operations of the alliance. The WITSA's signature events are the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) and the Global Public Policy Summit (GPPS).

Prior to joining WITSA, Dr. Poisant was the founder and CEO of Poisant International LLC, an internationally recognized event management company. In 1996, Dr. Poisant was appointed the President and CEO of the 1998 World Congress on Information Technology that was held in the United States. Afterwards, he was appointed the International Executive Director for the 2000 World Congress held in Taipei, Taiwan.

Previously, Dr. Poisant held a number of senior-level positions at Electronic Data Systems (EDS), including the Vice President of EDS' Entertainment Division. At EDS, he was responsible for EDS' involvement in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the 1994 World Cup in the US and the 1996 Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was also responsible for the design, construction and operations of EDS' first marketing center in Dallas, Texas.

Before EDS, Dr. Poisant was the founder and first director of the Walt Disney Company's Business Seminar Division, where he was responsible for all external Business, People Management and Quality Service seminars and speeches. He presented speeches and seminars on leadership and management to over 200,000 executives worldwide.

Dr. Poisant is the author of "Creating and Sustaining a Superior Customer Service Organization". He has a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Public (Government) Administration as well as a Master’s Degree in Urban Education and Bachelor’s Degree in English and Secondary Education.