Gripple has appointed a new managing director for the UK & Ireland and new board directors.
Kevin St Clair takes up the role of UK managing director, following 21 years at Gripple, Charlotte Hill is to replace Kevin in his former role as operations director and Sam Ryall, joins the UK board as supply chain director. The board also comprises sales director Chris Bugg, head of digital transformation Darren Cork, people and culture director Katrina Ritchie and finance director Clare Legg.
Kevin started his career at Gripple in 2002 as the company’s first quality manager, responsible for implementing ISO9001 and ISO14001 Certification, before moving into a broader quality and supply chain management role and later becoming site manager at Gripple’s Riverside Works facility in Sheffield. Five years ago, Kevin was promoted to group operations director, where he had full operational responsibility for Gripple’s six UK manufacturing sites.
Kevin said: “I am delighted to take up my new role at Gripple and to be working with a fantastic board of directors. My focus will be on delivering strong results in the UK as well as continuing to improve our global service and support.
“Our markets and product range are constantly evolving as our strategy is to identify challenges that customers face and to develop innovative solutions, offering environmental, time and user-friendly benefits.
“Diversification remains a key part of our business, as we launch innovative solutions into the solar, utilities and industrial services markets. This is an exciting time for our business as we continue to target 20% of total sales from new products released in the last five years, with innovation, sustainability and greater efficiency as top priorities.
“Charlotte and Sam bring great qualities to board. Charlotte’s performance over the years leaves me with no doubt that she will continue to deliver excellent results and strengthen the operations team further. Sam has demonstrated strong leadership skills and has proven to be a real team player, with great drive and enthusiasm, facing challenges head-on and finding solutions that have taken our business forward.”