Maytag
UK Appoints New Area Sales Manager
Maytag
UK,
the supplier of genuine American appliances, has appointed Simon Cooper
to Area Sales Manager for the North west of England and Scotland.
Simon
joins from Iceland Frozen Foods where he was Regional Appliance Sales
Manager. Simon explains, ‘This is an exciting opportunity for me
and I relish the challenge which will be demanding and fulfilling. I am
able to use my industry experience both from my days at Iceland and bring
empathy to the retail side with my experience gained as a General Manager
with the Comet Group. I shall be focusing on driving growth in my area
and my number one priority will be to provide unrivalled customer service
and support through developing and building relationships with our trade
partners.’
Simon comes from a strong business background combined with extensive
retailing appreciation. Beginning life as an accountant, he ventured into
banking and financial services. Following an exciting and demanding three
years' formulating and setting up the world's first franchise exhibition
he changed tack and joined Comet as a General Manager in the Southport
area. Iceland's experience prepared him for the life outside where he
spent two and a half years' as Regional Appliance Sales Manager.
‘We welcome Simon to our busy team and are delighted to have him
on board. His solid business background in retail and his customer service
experience will be an enormous asset to the company as we continue to
grow. He has had an extensive induction at our Redhill Headquarters and
is now ready to meet our retail partners,’ comments Julie Blaylock,
Sales Director, Maytag UK.
‘My main aim is to get out there and meet the retailers as quickly
as I can. The customer base is already well established, however, I intend
to expand the strong on-going demand for our prestige brands and ensure
this percolates right through to the end consumer,’ explains Simon.
Shires
Appoints New Commercial Manager for Selecta Brand
Bathroom
manufacturer, Shires Ltd, part of
Qualceram Shires plc, has announced the appointment of a new commercial
manager for Selecta, the group’s shower screen and enclosure business.
Dave Howard, who has a strong customer-service background, joins Selecta
from Hunter Plastics and will head up the Selecta brand in the UK. As
Commercial Manager, Howard will oversee all departments from manufacturing
right through to after-sales customer care and will be instrumental in
the forthcoming new product and brochure launch at the end of this year.
He brings with him 10 years experience as a Regional Sales Manager and
more recently played a vital role in business development.
Kenny Cameron, General Manager of Shires Bathrooms, comments: ‘I
am delighted to welcome Dave Howard to the team. He has joined at an exciting
time here in terms of growth and will play a key role in expanding the
sales team, customer service and product development which will further
enhance Selecta’s offerings.
Pablo
Mongelos Named as General Manager of the Fagor Group
Following
the acquisition of the Brandt Group
in April, Pablo Mongelos has been named as general manager of the Fagor
Electrical Appliances Group, which encompasses Brandt and Fagor
Electrodomésticos.
Pablo was born in Mondragón (where Fagor has its headquarters)
in 1964, and is a graduate in Business Sciences. He joined Fagor in 1988
and worked in several senior export roles until 1996. In 1997, he was
appointed general manager of Fagor's Cooking Line, and in January 2002
he took charge of the general management of Fagor Electrodomésticos.
For more information on the Fagor Group, or on any of Fagor's range of
built-in and freestanding appliances, call the UK sales office on 020
7354 0044, email mailto:sales@fagorappliances.co.uk,
or visit http://www.fagor.com/uk.
New
CFO for Sanitec: Mr Bo Askvik Will Join Sanitec as New CFO
Mr
Bo Askvik (47) will join Sanitec in
the course of this year as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Group Finance
function will be based in Helsinki.
Mr Askvik has a broad experience in the international financial field
working as CFO for several listed companies before. Currently he is working
as CFO of Intrum Justitia AB, a corporation listed in Stockholm and working
European wide in the area of credit management services. Before that he
was CFO of SAPA AB, one of the world's leading manufacturers of aluminium
profiles, also listed at the Stockholm stock exchange. Before joining
Swedish companies Mr Askvik worked as a senior Finance Officer for Neste,
market leader for oil products and lubrication products in Finland and
Borealis, a petrochemical company.
Tel. +358 9 709 5400
Email: mailto:sanitec.corporation@sanitec.com
Web: http://www.sanitec.com
Hanneck
Takes the Chair at AMDEA
Uwe
Hanneck, Chief Executive Officer of BSH Home Appliances Ltd, has been
elected Chairman of AMDEA, the domestic
appliance manufacturers trade association.
He becomes the industry’s leader at a time of intense activity on
a number of issues. ‘We face many challenges just as the market has
become a little more difficult for all of us in the wider appliance industry,’
said Uwe Hanneck.
‘The
final stages of negotiation with the Government on the implementation
of the WEEE Directive (Recycling & disposal of Electrical/Electronic
Waste) are taking place right now. Manufacturers are keen to embrace the
spirit of the WEEE Directive and will continue to work constructively
with the government and stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.
‘We are currently tackling the problem of Returns head on with a
new code of practice for dealers to agree with manufacturers and onerous
new Product Safety Regulations come into force on 1st October this year,
giving wider powers to local authority officials.
‘These are not just issues for the manufacturers. All of us - from
the factory floor through to the distributor and the retailer, from the
design of the product to its eventual recovery and disposal – we
are all in this together.
‘AMDEA is happy to play its part in dealing with these challenges.
We will work with our trade partners to overcome the problems, but they
must share the burden, not just expect manufacturers to shoulder it all
by themselves,’ added Uwe Hanneck.
Since he took the helm at the BSH Home Appliance Group in 1983, Uwe Hanneck
has built its presence in the UK market and in the process, has become
one of the industry’s most highly respected figureheads.
He is Chairman of REPIC - the producers’ compliance scheme company
that he helped to establish last year - and he played a leading role in
getting The AMDEA Show launched at the NEC in April 2005.
In addition, he is also chairman of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom National
Training Group (KBB NTG), a government funded industry-training initiative,
which includes key representatives from all areas of the KBB industry.
As a previous director of AMDEA and now AMDEA chairman, Uwe Hanneck takes
over from Lorna Fellowes, Managing Director of Triton, who remains on
the AMDEA Board.
‘Uwe is a well-liked industry figure – and a real live-wire,’
said Director General Peter Carver. ‘His knowledge of the industry
is encyclopaedic, and we are fortunate to have his leadership during a
period when the industry is facing so many challenges.’
Contact: Peter Carver
Tel: 020 7405 0674
Email: mailto:peter.carver@amdea.org.uk
Uwe Hanneck – Brief Biography
Uwe Hanneck is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BSH Home Appliances Ltd,
the umbrella organisation for kitchen appliance brands Bosch, Siemens,
Neff, Gaggenau and now Viva! in the UK. The company distributes a comprehensive
range of built in kitchen appliances as well as freestanding refrigeration,
dishwashers and laundry, in addition to niche small electrical appliances.
As CEO, Uwe Hanneck is responsible for the overall management and strategic
development of BSH’s business in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Uwe Hanneck came to the UK in 1972 to set up Linectra (GB) Ltd, importing
three German built in appliance brands into the UK, of which only Neff
remains today.
During the early seventies, Uwe Hanneck introduced the concept of the
fitted kitchen into the UK. He is widely credited as being the first industry
leader to recognise the importance of selling kitchen furniture together
with kitchen appliances, as a ‘package’, in a showroom environment
offering full advice and installation services directly to the consumer.
Today this concept is standard industry procedure.
Following two years at the helm of Neff in France, Uwe Hanneck returned
to Neff UK in 1983 coinciding with the time when the company became part
of the global BSH domestic appliance group, now the third largest manufacturer
of appliances worldwide with 71 companies in 40 countries and 42 factories
in Europe, USA, Latin America and Asia.
Currently also Chairman of the producers’ compliance scheme REPIC
and of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom National Training Group KBB NTG, Uwe
Hanneck brings to his new role at AMDEA a wealth of knowledge and experience
of the UK kitchen industry gleaned over the last 33 years.
Keller
Aims for Increased UK Market Share
Henk
Tuijtelaars has embarked on a new challenge with Keller
Kitchens. The former director of Alno Kitchens (Holland) has
joined Keller as the Export and New Business Manager.
After a record year in 2004, Keller has employed Henk Tuijtelaars to increase
Keller’s market share in the UK which has proved increasingly successful
over the past five years.
To handle this growth, Keller is investing several million euros over
the next two years in various projects. Phase one is already complete
which an extension of over 4000m2 to its factory in Roosendaal, Holland.
Following this investment and Henk’s appointment Peter Bastinck,
Keller’s Commercial Director, expects a positive end to 2005 with
a 5% rise in turnover.
Tel: 0161 962 6939
Web: http://www.kellereurope.com
Franke
Announces New Commercial Director
Franke
UK Ltd, the UK operation of the world’s
largest sink manufacturer, has promoted David Houghton to the newly created
position of commercial director.
Duncan Marr, managing director of Franke UK comments: ‘Since joining
the company in 1997, David Houghton has played a major role in driving
sales forward by some £25 million.
‘David has a wealth of experience in the industry and will play a
key role in the development and implementation of our future growth in
the UK.’
David Houghton added: ‘I am delighted to accept the challenge of
this new appointment, and to be part of Franke’s ambitious plans
for further expansion.’
Tel: 0161 436 6280
Web: http://www.franke.co.uk
Graham
Hayden becomes Managing Director at KBSA AGM
Graham
Hayden, formerly Chief Executive of the KBSA
was elected as the association's first honorary member and Managing Director
at the 2005 AGM held on 16th June. Members voted on a number of resolutions
that allowed Graham to take up the new post as part as part of a series
of changes to the operational structure of the association.
The changes were first announced last month as part of a re-structuring
plan that would prepare the association for future growth and development.
The new structure means that Graham will, as Managing Director, concentrate
on representing the association at government level and progressing industry
issues, such as the new Part P legislation, WEEE directive, Quality Scheme
and introduction of 3 way consumer cover. Lucinda Kenny, operations manager,
has taken on full responsibility for the management of head office and
the support services of the association.
Commenting on the changes, acting National Chair Tony Nicholas said, ‘We
are a strong active association and this re alignment of tasks will enable
us to fully exploit our potential in delivering tangible benefits to our
members and ensure that we are ready to take advantage of new opportunities.
Graham Hayden commented, ‘It was great to see so many people at this
year's AGM and I am pleased that they approved unanimously all the resolutions
put forward by the board. The industry is facing some significant changes
and challenges and the association is now well placed to keep ahead of
the market, to continue to set standards and ensure that our members remain
best in class.’
Ashley
Bathrooms Appoints New UK Sales Manager
British
based manufacturer, Ashley Bathrooms,
has appointed Stephen Jaques as UK Sales Manager. He is spearheading the
introduction of the recently expanded ‘Made in Britain’ range
of sanitaryware and accessories to Ashley’s UK network of approved
stockists.
Stephen has a wealth of sales experience spanning over twenty years with
other leading brands including Qualitas Bathrooms, Ellis Furniture and
as National Sales Manager for Armitage Shanks Showerworld and Westerley
Bathrooms, part of the Heritage Group.
Ashley Bathroom’s new UK sales manager, Stephen Jaques, says,
'As the last remaining British santitaryware manufacturer in Stoke, we’re
committed to flying the Union Jack and executing our long term business
plan.
'Not only does this approach add value through the development of innovative
designs, it also provides stockists with an all important, locally exclusive,
consistency of supply.'
Tel: 01332 830 404
Graham
Beechey joins Orama’s Growing Business Development Team
Orama,
the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products continues to expand its Business Development focus, adding Graham
Beechey to the growing team.
Graham has been appointed to service Orama’s existing and potential
customers in the North East. His new role will see him concentrating on
Orama’s structured ranges including the new Maia solid surface range,
which is sold direct to retailers. The business development team is also
working to support various distributors of Orama’s ranges, in particular
its Ardesco range which continues to gain ground in the marketplace.
Wakefield-based Graham has seven years’ experience in the worksurface
distribution industry and has held positions at Plasman Laminate Products
Ltd and New Line Display Ltd before making the move across to Orama. His
wealth of experience in the worksurface industry made him an ideal candidate
for the newly created position. Graham’s experience incorporates
managing key accounts, developing new business, providing product training,
promoting new and existing brands, merchandising and finding product solutions
for clients. With Graham in place, Orama’s clients will be reassured
they are liaising with an expert with experience, credibility and history
in the industry.
Graham comments, ‘I am very pleased to join the team and look forward
to applying my experience to take Orama to its next level of growth. The
products supplied by Orama are second to none and with my knowledge of
the kitchen industry, in particular worksurfaces, I am especially looking
forward to working closely with retailers and building up the customer
base for our new solid surface product Maia.’
Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces.
Established for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the
Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance.
The company is also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom
Specialist Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid timber products
are sourced from ‘responsibly managed’ forests.
Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk
Mereway
Marketing Department Expansion
Birmingham
based kitchen & bathroom manufacturer Mereway
has appointed two new members of staff to its marketing team as part of
its expansion plans.
Mereway has appointed Kimberley Owen (below right) as Marketing &
PR Assistant to aid efforts to raise the profile of the Mereway Group
of Companies. As a recent graduate with experience in Marketing &
PR in the charity and manufacturing sectors, Kimberley is sure to be a
valuable member of the team.
Jennie Sanders (above left) has been appointed as Technical Communications
Assistant. With past experience in Marketing, Visual Communications, and
with specialist skills in animation and 3D modelling, Jennie will prove
an asset to the company. Jennie will be working with the team to produce
fresh company literature for future publication.
Mereway welcomes both staff members to an already successful marketing
team 'Mereway represents an exciting opportunity to work with a company
with a great reputation for supplying quality products and service to
its customers,' says Kimberley Owen.
Tel: 0121 765 3603
Web: http://www.mereway.co.uk
New
Addition to Planit Sales and Support Team
Planit
International,
the software provider, has appointed a new member of staff to strengthen
the UK sales support team.
Rob
Garfoot is the latest member to join the team following the appointments
of Gethin Davies and Tom Sanderson last year.
Rob is a graduate from the University of Southampton where he gained a
BA (Hons) degree and has since been working in the leisure industry.
'I am delighted to be working for an established market leader such as
Planit and am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that
lie ahead,' says Rob.
'We are dedicated to working in partnership with our retailers and providing
them with the very best support to enable them to maximise the benefits
of their investment.
'The quality of our sales and support team enables us to ensure that we
are fully equipped to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers,’
says Alastair McPheat, Sales Director at Planit.
Planit has led the worldwide market for over 20 years, providing CAD solutions
to the kitchen retail industry.
They are the only Microsoft Certified Partner in the marketplace, testament
to the highest quality standards of the company’s software engineering,
as well as to the robustness of their systems.
Web: http://www.planit.com