INDUSTRY UPDATE
GROHE announces UK leadership appointments
ondon, May 2025: GROHE UK has announced the appointment of two new hires for its senior leadership positions. Joining the business in March 2025, David Nicholls becomes the new Leader, UK & Ireland, LIXIL Europe following appointments in senior leadership roles working for market leading businesses, supplying product and service solutions within the Built Environment. Commenting on his appointment, David Nicholls said: “I am proud to be joining GROHE at an exciting time for the UK & Ireland business. Fresh off the back of a strong activation at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt, and with an ambitious multi-channel road map for the year ahead, I will be focusing on supporting the brand’s vision to deliver a
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Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten Hire New Business Development Manager
Manager. S
Gareth, who previously worked at Huws Gray for 12 years as kitchen and bathroom category manager, has joined at a pivotal time as the companies look to super charge their growth trajectory. In his new role, Gareth will oversee the companies’ relationship with both retailers and merchants, working closely with the established area sales managers. He will also work closely with the senior leadership team, marketing and new product development to ensure the needs of customers are being met.
Darren Allison, Senior Managing Director at Frontline and Smiths, says: “Gareth has done a fantastic job at his previous employer and when he applied for this role, I knew he had the skills and expertise to make a real impact.
“We have a huge amount of work to do to double our turnover by 2029 but hires such as Gareth as crucial to us hitting this target.” Gareth adds: “Having worked at Huws Gray for over 12 years, I’ve got a strong working knowledge of both Frontline and Smiths already. Once it was announced that Darren was returning to the industry, as well as his plans for the business moving forward, it felt like an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
“There are so many exciting things happening at the business and I’m excited to get stuck in and help drive the plans forward with the rest of the team.”
Smiths Briten and Frontline Bathrooms operate as sister brands, each with its own distinct offer yet closely connected through shared leadership and aligned values. With the same Managing Director overseeing both businesses, there is a strong synergy in their approach to product innovation, customer service, and market support. This connection allows them to collaborate seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring consistency, expertise, and a comprehensive offering across the bathroom and plumbing sectors, while maintaining the individuality that makes each brand unique.
www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk
ister companies, Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten have appointed Gareth Sterry as Business Development
customer-first strategy. Having worked in the commercial interiors and retail sectors for more than 30 years, I feel very lucky to work with a brand that so confidently leads when it comes to product innovation.”
GROHE UK is also pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Hirst as its new Leader, Commercial B2B UK, LIXIL Europe. In this role, Kate will steer the strategy across multiple sales channels. Kate joins from Lecico Bathrooms following many successful years in a senior, customer focused-leadership role where she was responsible for
growing the business through developing segmented sales, marketing and product strategies.
Pictured L-R: David Nicholls, Leader, UK & Ireland, LXIL Europe and Kate Hirst, Leader, Commercial B2B UK, LIXIL Europe. Gael Magda, Leader Western Europe, LIXIL Europe said: “I am very pleased to welcome David and Kate to the GROHE team and have no doubt they will bring a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and outstanding experience that will steer our strong and defined multi-channel go-to market strategy in the UK. David and Kate both have a proven track record of developing successful and collaborative customer-centric teams in previous businesses which is a core value at GROHE.” GROHE has also bolstered its UK Leadership team with further updates. Lewis Neathey has been promoted to Leader, Marketing & Product Management UK, LIXIL Europe, and will now oversee all UK Marketing activity, working directly with the sales and product teams including Kate Hirst and Sanjeev Delipkumar, Leader, B2C UK LIXIL EMENA on the development of the organisation's multi-channel strategies. The leadership announcements come at a key time for GROHE which has several channel-relevant activations coming up in 2025, including presence at InstallerSHOW next month, Screwfix Live in September and HIX in November. It also follows the successful launch of the brand’s first UK Design Hub at Islington’s Business Design Centre, which provides a dedicated space for A&D customers to see first-hand the GROHE portfolio, providing a tactical and personal experience ahead of decision-making.
www.grohe.co.uk BKU JUNE 2025 49
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