Earlier this year, Scolmore Group introduced the new role of Product Development and Research Manager, appointed to Surej Solanki who has been part of the organisation’s product design team for the past three years.
His new role will require him to drive sustainability research initially with Scolmore Group company, Ovia Lighting. Already making his mark, Surej has become a member of the LIA’s Tech Forum Young Industry panel and attended the recent Tech Forum Autumn event which covered updates on a wide-ranging agenda. In his first contribution as a member, Surej discussed topics such as sustainability.
Commenting on his new role, Surej said: “I am really excited to have been given what I consider to be a dream role for me. Having founded my passion for product design and development 14 years ago, I am keen to drive sustainable practices and determined to create positive change in the manufacturing ecosystem.”
BDR THERMEA GROUP | Tjarko Bouman
Baxi’s Parent company, BDR Thermea Group, have announced the appointment of Tjarko Bouman as new Chief Executive Officer. Bouman joins as successor to Bertrand Schmitt who is stepping down.
During his current role as CEO of NTS Group, Tjarko has rolled out a refined new global strategy, resulting in record years for turnover and profitability in 2021 and 2022. Prior to NTS, Tjarko spent nine years at Vanderlande Industries as Managing Director, responsible for delivering automated material handling solutions in Europe and Asia Pacific to main markets of the food retail, e-commerce, fashion, and parcel industries.
Marc de Jong, Chair of the BDR Thermea Supervisory Board, says: “Tjarko brings to his new role as BDR Thermea CEO more than 20 years’ experience in business development, operations and supply chain, both in consulting and management.”
Tjarko Bouman says: “I’m looking forward to joining BDR Thermea Group, building on Bertrand’s legacy, bringing my own experience and skills to the company, and cooperating with the teams across the globe.”
DRAPER TOOLS | Sarah Hartland
Sarah Hartland, who previously held the position of Marketing Campaign Manager, will be the youngest member of the 104 year old company’s senior leadership team at just 32 years old.
Having joined Draper Tools over four years ago, Sarah has been an integral part of the marketing team during that time, playing a crucial role in many of the company’s most successful product launches. Sarah also brings her a wealth of industry knowledge having previously held marketing roles at Elliotts Builders Merchants as well as gaining valuable experience at globally recognised PR firms.
Speaking about her appointment as Head of Marketing, Sarah commented: “When I joined the company in 2019 as a Senior Marketing Executive, I never thought I’d be leading the department. Yes, I’m the youngest person in our leadership team, by quite a few years but I’m proof that if you work hard then age does not matter. I am excited to be part of Draper’s future and to support the business with modern marketing.”
ESP | Mike Feist & Chris Cotton
To strengthen support for existing customers and continue to develop new business opportunities, ESP has appointed two Regional Sales Managers. Mike Fiest, formerly Area Sales Manager with Scolmore, takes up the position for ESP’s South region, whilst Chris Cotton has been promoted from Area Sales Manager to Regional Sales Manager for the North region.
Mike joins the ESP sales team with a wealth of experience having spent more than 30 years in the industry. He takes up his new role following 12 years with Scolmore, five years with a leading wholesaler and nine years with a major manufacturer.
Chris brings to his new role more than 13 years’ experience working in the electrical industry in a number of roles including Operations Manager, three years in external sales, and more than seven years working for ESP as Area Sales Manager covering the North East & Cumbria.
Mike and Chris will have the responsibility for developing and implementing effective sales strategies for the company. They will each lead a team of five area sales managers in their specific regions, helping them achieve sales targets across the product categories that currently sit under the ESP umbrella.
CARL KAMMERLING INTERNATIONAL | Mark Grayson Wood
Carl Kammerling International (CKI) has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Mark Grayson Wood as Head of Marketing.
Grayson Wood will lead on the company’s full marketing mix, range management and brand development to drive sales and brand loyalty. He will oversee a comprehensive marketing strategy to showcase the craftmanship and durability of new and innovative products across CKI brands including C.K Tools, Clipacore and Kasp.
Grayson Wood brings over 25 years’ experience to the position, having worked within industrial and technical commercial sales and marketing roles within major power, aerospace, oil and gas operators worldwide.
Mark Grayson Wood comments on his appointment; “CKI has established a strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer service in its 100 year history, so the opportunity to join the team was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
“I’m looking forward to further shaping the CKI brand narrative to demonstrate the durability and innovation of our premium tool offering. By highlighting the craftsmanship behind the products and demonstrating how they solve problems, we can make a difference to the working lives of professionals who face challenging applications for their tools every day.”
For related articles, click here
