Haier Europe has appointed a new Channel Director to drive its commercial business with home builders and developers in the UK and Republic Of Ireland.
With a 30-year career in and around the white goods industry, Mark Armstrong joins the firm from the business division of AO.com where he held the position of Head of Sales – House Builders. This followed an eight-year stint with Electrolux in the role of Channel Manager – Contracts.
Supported by an Account Director, Mr Armstrong will report directly to the UK and ROI CEO, David Meyerowitz, and work alongside his counterpart responsible for kitchens, trade and DIY customers.
Mr Armstrong’s remit will cover all product categories: laundry, cooling, cooking and dishwashing and his main responsibility is to secure and grow contract business through Haier’s growing portfolio of built-in and freestanding appliances through the Hoover and Candy brands.
“I simply couldn’t pass up an opportunity to work for the world’s number one in home appliances,” said Mr Armstrong. “The Hoover and Candy product portfolio covers an extensive range of price points, specifications and aesthetics, so we can meet, if not beat what the competition has to offer.
“We have great team with a vast knowledge of the white goods industry which makes our proposition even stronger and hopefully my experience over the years working in this channel will help us achieve our goal to grow and create demand for the trusted brands.”
Mr Meyerowitz added: “Thanks to the existing team, we have achieved significant progress in our contract business to date. Now we are ready to take it to the next level and are excited to have Mark on board to provide a dedicated focus on builders and developers.
“His extensive experience and proven track record for both manufacturer and distributor will help further develop this important business area and enable us to better support these important customers.
“Our aim is to become the UK trade ‘Supplier of Choice’. To be recognised in this way, we must harness the power of our brands that span from market entry to premium, offer real product leadership and high standards of operational excellence. Mark personally provides the final ingredient of this recipe with his notable quality of customer intimacy.”
