KBB Professional Joins Moods Bathroom Division

Hopkinsons Fourways, the kitchen, bathroom and appliance distributor of the PJH Group, welcomes Catherine Seville as new Bathroom Category Manager, to head up its expanding bathroom division, which includes Moods Bathrooms.

A retail marketing graduate, Catherine brings with her a wealth of experience in the KBB industry, gained through a range of brand and product management roles within some of the industry’s leading names.

Previously Head of Product Management with Twyford Bathrooms, Catherine has impressively progressed her career in just 12 years, since she started her employment with Slumberland Beds as marketing executive. Since then, invaluable brand management experience gained with the likes of the Four Seasons kitchen brand – within the distributor division, and Jacuzzi UK – primarily with Niagara, places Catherine in an excellent position to further develop the bathroom brands within Hopkinsons Fourways.

Catherine’s multi-faceted role will focus on progressing the bathroom business, in conjunction with key business partners, to offer a premier level of product design, quality and service – whilst maintaining its stronghold within the bathroom market.

Speaking of her new challenge, Catherine said: ‘The PJH Group is a well respected and established company that I am delighted to be a part of. I will be working closely with a strong team, to build upon our strategies for growth and will be implementing new initiatives for an enhanced and sustainable bathroom division.’

An integral part of this division is the Moods Bathrooms collection, which has grown substantially since it was launched four years ago, and currently offers a comprehensive range of the latest contemporary and traditional bathroom products for the independent retailer and merchant sectors.

For further information on Moods Bathrooms, Hopkinsons Fourways’ growing bathroom business, contact the company on 01204 707070 or http://www.bathroom-moods.com

New Warehouse Manager at PWS

Brian Simpson has been appointed Warehouse Manager at PWS. Brian joins PWS following 20 years in the food industry, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the distribution field.

Comments Andrew Elenor, Operations Director at PWS, ‘The role of Warehouse Manager at PWS is a key appointment.

'We have seen our logistics operation grow from strength to strength and now have one of the most sophisticated systems in the kitchen industry.

'Our planned programme of extensive product development will bring new challenges to distribution and I am confident Brian has the experience and skills to ensure our high standards of service continue to lead the market.’

Brian takes over from Steve Mitchell, who after 20 years at PWS’ warehouse helm has retired to Majorca.

Tel: 01325 505555
Web: http://www.pws.co.uk

Aqualux Welcomes New Recruits

Shower surround and bath screen manufacturer Aqualux has announced the appointment of Colin Henderson and John Little to its sales team.

Colin Henderson joins the company in the new role of National Specification Manager from a similar role at Twyford Bathrooms. He is tasked with providing Aqualux with the resource to penetrate the major house build and merchant sector, which represents over 40% of the shower enclosure market.

John Little is the first dedicated sales representative appointed by Aqualux to cover Scotland and Northern Ireland. He joins the company from Ideal Standard and has more than 16 years experience in the bathroom industry.

Commenting on the appointments, Mike Jones, Aqualux’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: 'I am delighted that both Colin and John are joining us at this exciting time. Aqualux continues to grow and we have therefore selected two new team members who will take active sales roles across the country. Their understanding of the marketplace and track record of success will help underpin our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers.'

Tel: 0870 241 6131
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk

Barwick Appoints Internal Sales Coordinator

Bathroom distributor Barwick, has appointed an additional member of staff as part of an ongoing programme of expansion and commitment to developing and extending service.

Michael Johnson joins the Internal Sales department as Internal Sales Coordinator.

His appointment will expand and strengthen the existing experienced team.

Michael has taken the step from working in the warehouse at Barwick to the sales office.

The knowledge and experience of working with bathroom products, which he gained from this previous role, will no doubt prove invaluable in his new position.

Tel: 01274 687555
Email: mailto:info@barwick-bradford.co.uk
Web: http://www.barwick-bradford.co.uk

Laufen Welcomes Richard Court

Sanitary-ware manufacturer Laufen has recently appointed Richard Court as Area Sales Manager for the South West and Midlands.

Richard will be responsible for managing and developing new and existing Dream Dealers and building brand awareness of the Laufen products.

Richard joins Laufen with previous experience of the bathroom industry following employment as Area Sales Manager with the PJH group. Richard comments:

‘It is a new and exciting challenge and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Laufen team. I look forward to building strong relationships with Dream Dealers and promoting the Laufen brand.’

Director of Laufen UK, Russell Barnes also comments:

‘We are pleased to welcome Richard to the team, his wealth of knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset to the company. We look forward to Richard playing an active role in Laufen's ongoing expansion programme.’

Tel: 01386 422 768
Web: http://www.laufen.co.uk

Merlyn Expands Team in Response to Rapid Growth

Merlyn Industries Ltd has announced four new appointments to the company’s UK and Irish team.

   
(L-R) Alan Wickens, Eoin Hogan, Gareth Jones, Steve Hooper

Gareth Jones has been appointed as Head of Marketing for Ireland and the UK. This comes in response to Merlyn’s observation of ‘intensifying competition within the bathroom sector, meaning the need to understand the marketplace better than anyone is critical to company growth and success.’ Gareth joins from landscape transformation company, Marshalls plc where he has enjoyed considerable success in both marketing and product management positions.

Throughout his three years with the company he was closely involved with launching new product ranges and won several major industry awards. Before joining Marshalls, Gareth held senior marketing and sales positions at Premier Farnell plc, a global electrical components distributor. His sales and marketing knowledge was further developed through his time as a sales representative at Erskine Power Systems.

Steve Hooper joins as Regional Sales Manager for the South West, an area which has been critical to the growth of Merlyn to date. He brings over ten years invaluable sales manager experience, most recently from specialist bathroom products supplier, Aqualisa. Prior to this he held a sales manager position with Mark Two Distributors, a Bolton based, specialist bathroom products company, and he also has extensive store management experience from within the builders merchant sector.

Alan Wickens joins the Merlyn team as Customer Support Engineer, responsible for technical and installation advice and support for Merlyn’s UK customers. Alan’s appointment further strengthens Merlyn’s focus on customer service. He joins Merlyn from the Diamond Trading Company, part of the world famous De Beers Group. Here he spent three years as a Special Audits Officer, and was responsible for evaluating and introducing new equipment into the business. Alan is a time served mechanical/electrical engineer, enjoying over ten years of success serving with the British Army, within the Royal Corps of engineers. He also provides invaluable experience within the construction industry, after successfully operating his own business as a tiling specialist and builder.

Eoin Hogan is appointed as the new Group Logistics Manager, responsible for the warehousing and supply for the group. He will be based at Head office in Kilkenny, managing a team of eight across Ireland and the UK. Eoin joins Merlyn from leading European electrical retailer, Dixons Group plc, where he spend over four years in senior operations roles most recently culminating in a position as Senior Merchandise Planner. Prior to his time at Dixons, he held operations positions at Cadburys and Trebor managing the supply of product lines, defining supply procedures and controlling stock from 15 different factories.

Dana Davies, MD says ‘These four new appointments come at a very exciting time for Merlyn. We are delighted that Steve, Gareth, Alan and Eoin have decided to join our unique and successful team. As competition intensifies and our customers demand more from us we need to demonstrate that we know our market better than anybody else and deliver against their expectations at all levels. These appointments coincide with the launch of many innovative new products to our range and the expansion of our ‘back office’ and sales operation will ensure we maintain our position as the fastest growing bathroom product company in the UK.’

All Merlyn products carry a lifetime guarantee.

For stockists contact: Merlyn Shower Industries, 00353 56 7724770
Web: http://www.merlynbathrooms.com

What Katy Did Next . . . !

One of the runners-up for the KBSA New Designers Award 2004 is carving out a successful career in the industrial design industry.

Katy Buchan, aged 22, was runner-up during the awards last year thanks to her innovative design for a multi-purpose sink.

Having recently completed a five-month industrial placement with GlaxoSmithKline, concentrating on consumer healthcare brands, Katy is now working as a design and development engineer with international company Astracast (the kitchen sinks and taps division of Jacuzzi).

‘I’m especially grateful to the KBSA for spotlighting my work via the New Designers Award,’ says Katy. ‘I’m thoroughly enjoying being part of the Astracast team and very much looking forward to developing my design career.’

Katy gained a first class honours degree in industrial design from Edinburgh’s Napier University and is currently developing her honours project, the award-winning ultrasonic dishwashing sink, supported by Astracast.

‘It’s great to hear of these young designers doing so exceptionally well,’ said KBSA chief executive Graham Hayden. ‘Katy is extremely talented and we’re sure she will achieve great things in the future.’

Katy’s sink project featured within the Concept Products exhibition at the Ideal Home Show.

New Southern Face for RSJ

Lee Palmer has been appointed Area Sales Manager for RSJ Associates, handling all aspects of sales for the Hüppe and Zierath brands in the South and South East region.

Lee is no stranger to the industry, having joined RSJ from a bathroom and bedroom retailer where he was responsible for designing and selling bathrooms. He was a finalist in the 2003 New Bathroom Designer of the Year award.

With a degree in industrial design and previous sales experience in the computer industry, Lee is looking forward to the new challenge of going out on the road: 'l've used Hüppe in my design solutions for over two years and I'm so impressed with the products I applied for this job!' he explains. 'I'm looking forward to working with Zierath also as the products are fantastic and have a great future in the UK market.'

For more information on Hüppe and Zierath products, please contact RSJ on 01260 276188 or email mailto:info@rsjassociates.co.uk

New Area Sales Manager at Maytag UK

Maytag UK has grown steadily in the five years since its establishment and is now further consolidating its position with the appointment of Lee Brown as Area Sales Manager for south-eastern England.

Lee joined Maytag UK in 2000 at its inception and has been responsible for a variety of responsibilities in scheduling, call centre, internal sales and logistics. This breadth of knowledge will be a substantial asset for the life outside, on the road, for both Lee and the retailers. Lee will be responsible for all retail accounts across the entire Maytag family of brands with the objective to extend the business potential of each account on the area.

Lee says of his appointment, 'Maytag prides itself on its close relationships with its customers to maximise the potential of all their brands in every retail outlet. I hope that with my solid background and knowledge of the company and its products, I can support our loyal retailers and help them realise their individual potential through the family of Maytag's brands. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity and I truly look forward to meeting all the dealers I have been speaking to over the years personally.'

'By further strengthening our team we are able to offer more resources to our customers and demonstrate our on-going commitment to them. We are delighted to promote Lee, who has the great advantage of company knowledge and philosophy and will be a superb asset to all our retailers.' comments Richard Thompson Managing Director.

Richard continues, 'With our on-going programme of new product introductions and support marketing activities, Lee's experience will further strengthen Maytag UK's sales team and enable us to successfully achieve our business objectives.'

Tel: 01737 231000

New General Manager for Tretzo

Bathroom furniture company Tretzo has appointed Nick Willis as its new general manager to take the company through the next stage of growth.

Previously, as Tretzo’s sales manager, Nick helped to successfully launch the three main ranges, Sixes, Module and Zero, which are proving a big hit with new build and refurbishment projects. Ongoing contracts include the £70m refurbishment of Victoria Mills near Bradford by Newmason Properties which has Tretzo bathroom furniture in 407 luxury apartments. 

Nick, who lives locally, has a strong sales and marketing background and has ambitions to take Tretzo to international markets. Recently the company has had products on display at exhibitions in the Middle East and France. He explains, 'Tretzo’s trademark of superb craftsmanship and ultramodern, minimalist design make it the ideal washroom solution for traditional or contemporary interiors. We are committed as a company to the development of new and innovative world class products for distribution across international markets.'  
 
Contact: Nick Willis
Tel: 028 3752 3735 
Email: mailto:sales@tretzo.com     
Web: http://www.tretzo.com

Victoria & Albert Baths Appoints new European Export Manager

British freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert Group has appointed David Coath as Export Sales & Marketing Manager. Based in the UK and heading up Victoria & Albert’s international sales & marketing team, the new position involves developing export sales in Europe, the Middle East and Australasia.

Coath has a wealth of experience across the KBB sector, has a host of relevant qualifications including an MBA and is a Fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing.

His previous positions have included working for many top names in the industry including Poggenpohl in Germany, kitchen furniture company Cuisines Delacroix in France as Sales Director, and Aga Rayburn Ltd as Head of International Sales.

Fluent in both French and German he has a great track record of sales development for leading KBB brands worldwide.

David Coath, Victoria & Albert Group’s Export Sales & Marketing Manager says, ‘Exclusivity is what makes the Victoria & Albert brand so attractive – every bath in the range is freestanding and every bath is made from 100% solid surface QUARRYCAST™.

'Victoria & Albert baths are at the forefront of design and innovation and I know that our European sales can be developed much further.

'I’m especially looking forward to this year’s ISH Gulf and Bathrooms & Kitchen EXPO where we’ll be launching our latest contemporary model and visiting our current and prospective European customers.’

Web: http://www.vandabaths.com

The Pilkington's Tiles Group has appointed as group sales director the man who managed its strategy for and successful development of the distribution and multiple retail sectors.

At a time when many directors are considering winding down, Graham Ashcroft, 57, is stepping up a gear after 18 years with the group, the past six months under the ownership of Surface Coatings.

Graham joined Pilkington's as national accounts manager but it was as general sales manager that he formed direct relationships with the major national retail and distribution groups and consistently increased turnover.

He was then promoted to retail sales director but it is his most recent appointment that will bring all sectors of the group's sales function - distribution, specification, housebuilding and merchants as well as retail - under one umbrella.
Graham credits his FMCG background and the combination of sales and management experience before Pilkington's for his success in the tiling industry.
This began straight from school, followed by eight years in retail management.
He then went on the road with Burton's Biscuits as key account manager, moving to international Wander Foods (Ovaltine) as national field sales manager, and eventually Guinness where he was divisional manager for the north-west.

'For the first time in my 18 years with Pilkington's I have the opportunity to develop all sectors of our business. I am incredibly motivated by that and am enjoying every minute of it, coming as it does at a time of great potential for the group that is revolutionising the rate at which it brings new products to market.'
Married for 37 years and with two sons, his personal passion is music and he frequently plays the drums for a selection of bands at charity functions.

Tel: 01202 672741

Michael Joins Pfleiderer

Michael Dineen joined Pfleiderer Industrie Ltd. on February 1st, taking the position of Midlands area sales manager.

He is responsible for Duropal high pressure laminate worktop and sheet, Wodego melamine faced chipboard/MDF and the co-ordinated 'Dimensions' range covering all product lines.

Before this appointment Michael was business development manager with Kronospan. Michael (28) has a BA (hons) in business management and is a keen sportsman. He lives in Llangollen.

Pfleiderer lndustrie Limited's managing director, Simon Darbyshire is pleased to welcome Michael to the company.

'Michael will add an extra dimension to our successful sales team and we wish him every success for his future career with Pfleiderer.'

Tel: 01625 660410

Orama Strengthens Team with Key Appointments to Reinforce its Customer Centric Approach

Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, announces the appointment of several key members to its sales and marketing team. With its Ardesco range of kitchen worksurfaces now firmly established and available through a network of nationwide distributors and the recent launch of Minerva, a new collection of solid surface solutions, Orama says that it is supporting its design-led product development with first class customer care and quality. Having recently completed an intense programme of investment to realign its business strategy with the needs of the different segments within its key markets, Orama has created these new positions to consolidate its growth and further focus on total customer satisfaction.

Responsible for Orama’s marketing communications activities, Catherine Bull has been tasked to work very closely with the sales team and key customers to maximise the effectiveness and ensure the consistency and uniformity of Orama’s product communications and materials. She will also be responsible for maximising the appeal of Orama’s product range within each targeted segment. Catherine was previously marketing communications co-ordinator at Nenplas and holds a first class honours degree in Communication and Media Studies from Loughborough University.

Lindsey Conroy has been appointed to the new position of supply chain manager and will be working to overhaul and deliver a total procurement strategy for Orama. She will streamline and implement purchasing and stock control processes and procedures. Previously working in a number of business roles within the Macfarlane Group Ltd, Lindsey brings several years’ solid procurement experience gained within a demanding distribution and manufacturing environment. She will also be involved in improving internal systems and channels, which are key to ensuring a seamless customer experience. Lindsey holds a degree in European Studies from Lancaster University.

Orama has also made two new additions to its sales team. Paul Davey has joined the company as specifications manager and will be responsible for developing Orama’s sales into the contracts and specification markets. With the booming housing market and the launch of its new range of solid surfaces, Orama recognises the need to provide potential customers in this segment with expert knowledge and advice about its products. Finally, Julie Saunders has been appointed business development manager (south) and will target kitchen retailers and distributors in order to develop sales in the region. Julie joins Orama from Allied Manufacturing where she was product manager for worksurfaces.

Commenting on these new appointments, Peter Holt, sales and marketing director, Orama, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Catherine, Lindsey, Paul and Julie to our team at a time of exciting new developments for Orama and its worksurface ranges. They will all be working to consolidate and build internal and external relationships, improve processes and focus on supporting and delivering first class customer service.’

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

Masco Corporation Announces Management Appointments

Masco Corporation announced on 24th February the appointment of Jerry Volas to the position of Group Vice President. In this role, he will assume executive management responsibility for several operating companies within Masco's plumbing products platform, including American Shower & Bath, Aqua Glass, Computer Security Systems, Liberty Hardware and Mirolin. He will report to Group President John Wills.

Volas will retain his current responsibilities as President of Liberty Hardware, one of the nation's leading producers of high-quality decorative and functional hardware. Volas became President of Liberty Hardware in 2001, having served Masco for 17 years in positions including Vice President of Finance for Brass Craft and Group Controller for Masco. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan.

In addition, Masco announced the promotion of Gary Yezbick to Director, Operational and Technological Services. Formerly Director, Operational Services, Yezbick joined Masco in 1998 and will assume oversight of Masco's research and development group, while maintaining his current responsibilities for supply chain management services, manufacturing services, and quality and productivity. Prior to joining Masco, he was Vice President, Human Resources for Gelman Sciences in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he had worldwide responsibility for human resources. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Michigan.

'Both Jerry and Gary have shown tremendous leadership during their tenure at Masco and I have great confidence they will continue to play a pivotal role in the company's future success,' said Masco President Alan Barry.

Headquartered in Taylor, Mich., 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.

Another Sales Appointment at East Coast Fittings

East Coast Fittings' rapidly expanding sales force has a new team member with the appointment of Colin Dyke as of the beginning of February.

Colin has extensive experience of the furniture industry over some 24 years having, in the most recent past, spent over four years with the Moores Furniture Group.

He has been appointed as a result of East Coast fittings' recent major expansion, move to new premises and substantial investment as the company enters its 25th year as one of the UK's premier fittings and components manufacturers and suppliers. Colin will represent East Coast Fittings in Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

He joins East Coast Fittings' expanding national sales team as the company continues to introduce an ambitious program of new products and service supported by new literature and the Rearsby showroom, training and training facility at the headquarters.

Tel: 01664 424288
Email: mailto:sales@eastcoastfittings.co.uk

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