Iain McKinlay, UK Managing Director of Hansgrohe, will leave at the end of June 2013. Being with the company for 24 years, Iain has been at the forefront of the development of the modern UK bathroom industry that we know today.Through his involvement in exhibitions, awards events and his extensive network of customers, Iain has become widely known and, from his position at the helm of Hansgrohe UK, has introduced mixer taps, thermostatic controls and eco-friendly products to the market. He has also presided over the evolution of the washing and bathing culture in the UK through to it becoming a nation of showerers.
Having started the company in 1990, Iain has overseen Hansgrohe UK’s growth from its first year of trading with sales of £800,000 and employing five people to today’s level of sales exceeding £30m with 64 staff from expanded facilities in Esher and Woking.
Iain, who turns 60 this October, comments, ‘After thirty-five years in the kitchen and bathroom industry, I have decided to leave Hansgrohe. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who helped us grow the business in the way it has happened.
Firstly, I would like to thank the staff at Hansgrohe, some of whom have been here for nearly as long as me, for their loyalty, work ethic and expertise. Their willingness to go the extra mile has been exemplary.
Secondly, I wish to say a huge thank you to our fantastic client base, many of whom have been selling the product since day one. Taking a product that does not work on traditional U.K. water systems to become the number one brand in showers and taps proves the quality of British and Irish retailers. May I wish you and your staff every success, both personally and in business.’
Iain hands over control of the business to his existing senior management team, with Martin Mongan as the new Managing Director and spokesman, and Helen Kronheim as Director – Finance and Operations.
Martin comments, ‘I have been fortunate enough to have known Iain for over twenty years, both as a customer of Hansgrohe and for the last 18 months as a colleague. He has been a larger than life personality in an industry full of characters, and everyone has a story to share about working with Iain that will bring a smile to those listening. He will be greatly missed by all in the industry and particularly by all Hansgrohe employees and customers. I am delighted to have the opportunity to carry on Iain’s work and to build on the continued success of the business in the UK and the excellent customer relationships he has developed over the years. ‘
Helen comments, ‘I have been working closely with Iain for the last five years, and feel fortunate to have been able to gain some of his vast industry knowledge. Iain has worked hard to create a company with a unique market position based on the highest level of customer service. This is reflected in our loyal customer base. His style and genuine interest in the wellbeing of his teams have created an internal culture in which our staff takes pride in our products and our customers. I look forward to working with the team to build on this strong foundation and working closely with our customers to ensure our continued success.’
Mr Richard Grohe, Deputy CEO of Hansgrohe SE, says ‘Iain has had a great impact on the sanitary market and as a Hansgrohe ambassador has brought modern industrial design into English bathrooms. I have always appreciated his extraordinary eye for a really good product design. From the market introduction in 1990 until today he has developed the brand Hansgrohe to what it is today; the market leader in the premium brand’.
