Marketing
Director Appointed for Jacuzzi UK
Bathroom
manufacturer Jacuzzi UK has strengthened
its marketing division with the appointment of Noel Riley as UK Marketing
Director.
The position will give Noel marketing management responsibilities for
all the Jacuzzi UK bathroom product brands, which include Jacuzzi, B C
Sanitan, Fordham and Niagara plus an element of own label manufacture.
Noel brings with him a wealth of marketing knowledge gained from managing
both major trade and consumer brands and will be responsible for all marketing
activities at Jacuzzi UK's Newcastle Under Lyme and Bradford sites, being
based at the head office in Bradford.
Managing Director, Stephen Cox comments: 'We are delighted to welcome
Noel to Jacuzzi UK, where he will play an integral role in collating and
implementing our marketing strategy for all our brands whilst being very
proactive within our customer base.'
Noel comments: 'It's a very exciting time to be joining Jacuzzi UK and
I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking the Jacuzzi, B C Sanitan,
Fordham and Niagara brands further, working with an extremely impressive
range of high quality, innovative products.'
Tel: 01274 654700
Web: http://www.jacuzziuk.com
Planit
Strengthens UK Research and Development Team
The
kitchen industry software provider, Planit International
has strengthened its UK Research and Development Team with the appointment
of two new employees.
William Gregory and Craig Rawbone have both been employed as Development
Agents and will be responsible for building and testing different versions
of Planit software, writing test plans and specifying new features.
William is a computer science graduate from Portsmouth University with
experience of working in the IT development department of an international
company during a year long work placement.
Craig has a more general administration background and is currently undergoing
numerous training programmes to improve his knowledge of the Planit range
of products.
‘We are delighted to welcome William and Craig to the research and
development team,’ says Kim Cowman, Operations Director at Planit.
‘Ongoing research and development is essential to maintain our position
as leaders in our field. We aim to bring a new version of Planit to the
market every year and utilise the latest technology to continually innovate
and establish new boundaries so that Planit remains a market leader in
the industry.’
Both new members of staff will be based at Planit’s headquarters
at Ashford in Kent.
Tel : 01233 635566
Web : http://www.planit.com
Planit
Strengthens Client Support Team
The
kitchen industry software provider, Planit International
has strengthened its customer support team with the appointment of two
new employees.
Nigel Phillips (below left) and Paul Sparling (below right) have joined
the client support department as Training and Support Officers and are
both looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the high standards
that have already been set by the existing team.
Nigel
has seven years experience in similar customer support roles with a number
of different organisations and also hold numerous IT qualifications.
Paul was previously an IT Helpdesk Analyst and brings a wealth of experience
in dealing with customer queries in a friendly and efficient manner.
‘We are delighted to have attracted such high quality employees,’
says Operations Manager, Mike Hardman.
‘The customer support team plays an essential role, making life easier
for our customers and ensuring that they are gaining maximum benefit from
Planit. Nigel and Paul have already brought the benefit of their own skills
to their individual positions and are proving to be welcome additions
to our existing teams.’
Both new members of staff will be based at Planit’s headquarters
at Ashford in Kent.
Tel : 01233 635566
Web : http://www.planit.com
ArtiCAD
Welcomes New Deputy Marketing Manager
KBB
CAD software producer, ArtiCAD Ltd,
has announced the appointment of Niamh Crowley in the role of Deputy Marketing
Manager. Niamh's task is to promote the already successful ArtiCAD brand
both in the UK and the company's export markets.
Having previously worked in the media industry, Niamh brings to the role
a wealth of marketing experience and will be closely involved with all
aspects of the company's marketing strategy.
She says on joining ArtiCAD, 'It’s a new and exciting challenge and
I am pleased to be playing an important part in the company’s continued
expansion.'
Tel: 01923 246586
Web: http:// www.articad.cc
Planit
Strengthens UK Data Team
The
kitchen industry software provider, Planit International
has once again strengthened its Data production team by the appointment
of two new employees.
Martyn Frost has been appointed as a Data Services Manager. He will be
responsible for managing the development of the data service personnel
and maintaining the production of the data department. Martyn has extensive
experience in IT roles and has held several senior positions that covered
all aspects of systems management.
Anna Mepstead also joins the data department as a Data Analyst and is
mainly responsible for data creation and quality control.
‘We are delighted that both Martyn and Anna have joined us,’
says Kim Cowman, Operations Director at Planit.
‘The quality of our database is central to the success of Planit
Fusion. The Planit database is one of the most powerful database engines
available, with information from over 800 product catalogues. Many of
these catalogues are updated electronically with unique technology pioneered
by Planit and its partners.
‘We are sure that Martyn and Anna will make significant contributions
to this important department.’
Both new members of staff will be based at Planit’s headquarters
at Ashford in Kent.
Tel : 01233 635566
Web : http://www.planit.com
Merloni
Elettrodomestici's new Chief Financial Officer is Andrea Crenna
Merloni
Elettrodomestici
is to have a new CFO. From 1st March, Andrea Crenna will be in charge
of company administration, finance and investor relations.
Crenna has impressive experience in Italy and abroad, his last job being
finance manager at Vodafone Omnitel NV.
Previously he was at Citybank, working on corporate accounts with major
international clients.
Andrea Crenna, 40, was born in Varese and is married. He is an economics
and business graduate from the Bocconi University in Milan.
Blum
- Longstanding Employees are Honoured
Julius
Blum GmbH,
Austrian fittings manufacturer, says it is also the place to go if you
are looking for a good job in an ambient, modern working environment.
Accordingly, Blum has registered a major growth in the number of employees
who have either spent their entire or at least a major part of their professional
lives in the company.
Recently, Blum honoured a record number of 61 employees for their loyalty
to the company. Fifty seven employees, who have all worked for Blum for
25 years, joined the record holder, an employee who has served the company
for 45 years, and his three colleagues who have all worked for the fittings
specialist for 35 years non-stop.
Quite
exceptional! 61 employees have worked for Julius Blum for 25 years and
longer – some have served the company for 35 and 45 years
At the special celebration, managing director Herbert Blum praised the
performances and loyalty of the employees and thanked their partners for
their support and understanding. The gifts presented by the company, the
works council, the chamber of commerce and labour are designed to remind
the employees of a fulfilling professional life and could well be an incentive
to the next generation in the company to show similar commitment and loyalty.
Tel: 01908 285700
Web: http://www.blum.com
Distributor
Appoints New Logistics Manager
Andy
Simpson (37) has joined the PJH Group (Hopkinsons
Fourways), the UK distributor of kitchens, appliances and bathrooms,
as new Logistics Development Manager. Andy’s main role will be to
promote the company’s countrywide logistics service to both current
and potential, suppliers and clients.
Previously employed by P&O, Andy began his managerial career as a
Business Manager for the Ferrymasters Division, where he held responsibility
for sales, customer service and operational planning. Through a series
of promotions, he then gained invaluable experience as National Account
Manager, Business Development Manager and finally as Senior National Account
Manager for P&O’s Trans European Division. Here, Andy managed
over 20 blue chip companies, acting as a conduit between site management
and the client.
Such experience with the largest Pan European haulier led the PJH Group
to appoint Andy for the new role: ‘The company’s logistics service
division is growing rapidly,’ explained Andy, ‘There is a strong
emphasis placed on innovation and diversity which will help maintain PJH
as the leading and most forward thinking distributor in the UK’.
As well as aiming to grow this division, Andy will be supporting both
depot managers and general managers with all commercial logistic issues,
enhancing operations wherever possible.
Moving away from working with a service provider, Andy is pleased to have
entered the business-to-business arena: ‘This is a new avenue for
me and I am looking forward to the challenges it will present. It’s
great to be working with a leader in its field with a good infrastructure
and continuous growth strategy’.
Tel: 01204 707070
Web:
http://www.hopkinsonsfourways.co.uk
Masco
Corporation Announces Key Management Changes in its Cabinet Group
Masco
Corporation
recently announced the following key management changes in its Cabinet
Group.
- Clay Kiefaber, 48, President of Merillat Industries has been promoted
to the position of Group Vice President. In his new position, he will
assume reporting responsibility for Texwood Industries in addition to
his current responsibilities at Merillat. Kiefaber will continue to report
to Cabinet Group President Ron Ayers;
- Scott Gordon, 38, Executive Vice President of Texwood, has been named
President of Texwood, with responsibility for day to day management of
the company, reporting to Kiefaber; and
- Bob Ladd, 53, President of Texwood and owner of the business when Masco
acquired Texwood in 1997, at his request, will reduce his management responsibilities,
but will continue as an advisor to the company.
'This move formalises the close working relationship between Merillat
and Texwood and enhances our collaboration and focus in the marketplace
to provide national solutions for builders,' said Alan Barry, Masco's
President and Chief Operating Officer. 'We are fortunate to have the talent
that enables us to provide such creative solutions to our customers and
to promote from within when key leadership positions open up. Our ability
to fill these positions with experienced, enthusiastic leaders demonstrate
the depth of our management team and the effectiveness of our succession
planning programme throughout the organisation.
'Bob Ladd has done an outstanding job, not only in building Texwood's
business and manufacturing capabilities, but also in developing a management
team that could lead the Texwood team into the future. We are very grateful
for his contribution to the Masco family of companies,' Barry said.
Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's
leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well
as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation
and other building products.
Web: http://www.masco.com
Electrolux
VP Joins new Board members at Trelleborg AB
Heléne
Bergquist, Senior Vice President of the Electrolux
Group, has joined the board of Trelleborg AB.
A
Nominating committee consisting of the Chairman of the Board and representatives
from major owners representing approximately 65 percent of the voting
rights in Trelleborg, has decided
to put the following proposal before the Annual General Meeting:
Didrik Normark (elected to Trelleborg's Board of Directors in 1994) has
declined re-election at the next Annual General Meeting on the grounds
of age. Ann-Christine Albertsson (elected in 1999) has also declined re-election.
The following new Board members will be proposed: Claes Lindqvist, CEO
of Höganäs and Heléne Bergquist, Senior Vice President
of the Electrolux Group. The following Board members will be proposed
for re-election: Anders Narvinger (Chairman), Fredrik Arp (CEO), Rolf
Kjellman, Berthold Lindqvist and Staffan Bohman. The Board members elected
by employees are Kim Davidsson, Alf Fredlund, Karin Linsjö and Rolf
Larsson.
Heléne Bergquist, Senior Vice President of the Electrolux Group,
45 years of age, has worked with global internal-control issues at the
Electrolux Group for three years. She was previously a partner, part owner
and authorised auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she was responsible
for a business unit dealing with consumer and industrial products. Her
other assignments include Board membership in the Association for the
Development of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and previously,
she chaired the Swedish Institute of Authorised Public Accountants' educational
committee.
Web: http://www.trelleborg.com
New
link in PJH Group operations team
The
UK’s largest bathroom and kitchen distributor, the PJH Group (Hopkinsons
Fourways), has appointed a new General Manager for Operations
Support, Neil Palfreeman, to help manage and coordinate the company’s
growing distribution network, throughout eight national trading centres.
With a wealth of experience in his field, Neil brings to the PJH Group
a vast portfolio of skills he has acquired over 26 years within transport
and distribution roles for major companies in the food, drinks, furniture
and electrical retail sectors. Previously holding the post of divisional
distribution manager, running four distribution centres for Powerhouse
Retail, Neil has progressed his career swiftly, spending time at Nature
Springs Water Company as branch manager and at Arla Foods as distribution
manager.
Commenting on his appointment at the PJH Group, Neil said: 'It’s
great to be part of such a successful and forward thinking organisation.
My new role is both a challenging and exciting one, allowing me to utilise
the management skills I have acquired whilst at the same time contribute
towards my own personal development.'
As one of his major objectives, Neil will be supporting the operations
director and the general managers, in the day to day operation of the
business as well as managing specific project work. As the UK’s largest
distributor of kitchens, bathrooms and appliances, the scale of operations
is immense – and with over 500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, a
huge product portfolio and daily nationwide deliveries, Neil’s supporting
role is vital.
Neil continued: 'The company is performing extremely well and is growing
consistently year on year. I am very much looking forward to contributing
towards this success and becoming directly involved in helping to achieve
the company’s long term goals.'
DuPont
appoints Amanda Bramley to steer Zodiaq® sales in the UK
This year has seen the official UK launch and a huge surge of interest
for Zodiaq®, the new quartz surface from DuPont. To guide and manage
the growth of this sophisticated new material, DuPont has appointed Amanda
Bramley as Business Development Manager. This appointment coincides with
DuPont Surfaces’ expansion and move to new 7,000sq,ft headquarters
near Tring. Zodiaq® has been introduced to complement the growth of
Corian®, the original solid surface invented by DuPont over 35 years
ago, which continues to lead and develop this exciting market.
Ms Bramley brings extensive experience to her new role. Literally born
and bred within the kitchen industry, Ms Bramley acquired hands-on knowledge
of the industry while working as Sales Design Manager for her family’s
Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Studio in Manchester. From this foundation
she has built a career associated with DuPont surfaces that spans 20 years.
Initially, it was in designing with Corian® that she discovered its
unique qualities and was inspired to join CD UK, the original Corian®
distribution company as North West Area Manager for the retail sector.
From there she was invited to join DuPont directly as Sales Manager for
the North of England and Scotland. Once the kitchen division was running
smoothly, with the support of the Corian® fabricators, Ms Bramley
began to open up the commercial market targeting architects, new fabricators
and OEM’s to expand the Corian® business in to areas such as
hotels, transport, retail, education, healthcare and the fireplace industry.
Says Ms Bramley, 'I am very excited by the challenge of creating the kind
of awareness for Zodiaq® that we have created for Corian®. Zodiaq®
has a wonderful depth and clarity, with a high ratio of natural quartz
mixed with proprietary DuPont polymer and pigment technology. It’s
exceptionally strong, non-porous and durable with a lustrous finish that
needs no sealing…perfect for demanding areas such as serveries and
countertops. Plus it has exciting applications for wall cladding and flooring…and
comes with the confidence of ten year limited warranty from one of the
most forward thinking and innovative companies in the world today.
I feel with Zodiaq® we have a massive opportunity in almost all areas
of the design world to add something special, be it a splash of colour
as a feature, or perhaps just the confidence of using a high gloss product
or certain shades in a demanding countertop situation. I’m certainly
looking forward over the next few years, to creating a programme of close
partnering and support within the industry and to watching Zodiaq®
grow into another DuPont Brand leader.'
Tel: 0800 962 116 or visit the Zodiaq® website at www.zodiaq.com
Imperial Towel Rails bolsters sales operations with new appointments in quality and logistics
Imperial
Towel Rails has bolstered its internal and external sales operations,
making new appointments within the quality and logistics operations as
part of a programme to expand into additional showroom outlets nationwide.
Cheryl Beddow has been appointed to introduce a proactive telephone sales
function based at the company’s Staffordshire head office and production
site to develop both new and existing customer potential. The establishment
of a dedicated telesales operation follows recent trials which clearly
demonstrated a positive customer response to a service geared towards
customer assistance rather than sales-driven.
The external sales force has been strengthened with the appointment of
David Hassell as northern field sales manager. As a further improvement
in customer services, the sales managers have now taken on responsibilities
for the management of agents in their areas to co-ordinate supplies and
product range availability throughout each region. David joins Imperial
Towel Rails with extensive previous experience in the plumbing and heating
industry. His region covers England from the north of Birmingham
through to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Imperial is recruiting high
quality agents in this area to assist David with sales activities.
Glyn Davies, David’s counterpart in the south of England, covers
the area to the south of the Thames and is supported by agents John Hodgkinson
of Lichfield and Charlie Kerr in the south-west together with Alan Provost
covering north London and Norfolk.
Chris Brydges, Engineering and Logistics Manager and Vince Naccarato,
Quality and Logistics Manager have both recently arrived from the automotive
industry and have been introduced to maintain and improve quality whilst
increasing production capacity at the Cannock factory.
http://www.imperialtowelrails.com
Geberit
Terrain announces two changes in UK marketing operation
Andrew Bird joins the Geberit Terrain team from Hunter Plastics as Product
Manager for Drainage Systems, having sound marketing and manufacturing
experience and direct market experience in the Rainwater, Soil & Waste
and Underground Drainage sectors.
Andrew manages the extensive 'Terrain' above and below ground drainage
ranges, also having responsibility for Mepla, Geberit's commercial plumbing
solution for hot, cold and chilled water distribution.
Since Geberit's acquisition of Terrain in 1999 investment in the brand
and radical improvements to both the ranges and manufacturing facilities
have been a priority. The Terrain brand has always been associated with
a quality product offer, giving the building products sector confidence
in both product performance and service. This heritage in conjunction
with the investment Geberit has made ensures a continuing trust for the
installer, merchant and specifier alike. With continuous product improvement,
availability and support services Geberit is expecting Terrain product
sales to continue to rise in line with high targets set.
Andrew will as part of the Geberit UK marketing team, play a key role
in the future of the Geberit Terrain brand and together with the strength
of product range, superb technical, sales and support teams, will no doubt
achieve the expected good results.
Guy Wilson former Product Manager has continued his career development
within Geberit taking up a new role of Regional Sales Manager at Geberit
International in Dubai. Mark Larden, Marketing Director for Geberit UK
comments 'Guy was with the marketing team at Aylesford for a number of
years. We are delighted he is able to further his career with Geberit,
it is a fantastic opportunity and an excellent example of professional
growth leading to promotion from within the Geberit Group. We wish both
Andrew and Guy success in their new roles'.