KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021
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BiKBBI strengthens Board with two appointments
British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation's CEO Damian Walters has announced two Advisory Board appointments. Jon Thelwell is tasked with developing the organisation's commercial strategy, while experienced finance director Karen Stanley has joined the senior team as the organisation further develops during times of "significant growth".
Jon joins the BiKBBI with over 20 years' strategic experience, working with some of the industry's leading manufacturers and retailers. This experience includes showroom director at Jewson, managing director at Crestwood, head of marketing & development at Moores Furniture Group and sales director at Knauf.
"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jon to the BiKBBI Advisory Board," said Damian. "He has vast experience and a great understanding of the KBB sector at a senior level, which brings a new dimension to our Institute, having led strategic initiatives in the sector over the last 20 years. It's this deep sector experience which makes him a valuable addition and we look forward to working with him. He will bring a fresh and insightful perspective to the Board."
Karen qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PWC in the Business Services Division, which supported and audited developing companies. Shortly after qualifying she moved into a company finance role. Karen has spent most of her career working in the construction, manufacturing and retail sectors as finance director, developing finance teams to support the needs of a growing business and working with the senior management teams to develop business strategies, forecasts and reporting.
"In less than a week we've managed to secure the support of two highly experienced professionals who will help steer our organisation through this period of exciting and significant growth," added Damian.
"We are working with some of the industry's biggest and most respected brands, a growing number of great independent retailers and thousands of installation specialists across the UK. Our organisation is growing rapidly, both in terms of membership and profile.
"We've already welcomed over 500 new installation businesses so far this year; we're about to announce further developments with our Retail Installation Standards Partnership initiative too. It's therefore important that we develop the senior team to meet these exciting demands."
Damian said the Institute plans to make further appointments to the Board over the next few weeks.
He also confirmed that the BiKBBI's planned launch of its 'Protected' product is on track and that the Institute is working with two national retailers, four regional retailers and has expressions of interest from over 240 independent retailers since launching the initiative at The Houses of Parliament in January.
25th March 2019