people news
Hello and goodbye THE sales team at ExaClair has two new executives, Darren Stedeford and Sharon Shuttleworth, following the retirement of Roger Keys and Eddie Jessiman. Mark Daisley, MD of the UK supplier of brands including Rhodia, Clairefontaine, Europa, Decopatch, Avenue Mandarine and Guildhall, said: “They’ve had long and colourful careers. Their work ethic combined with an in-depth understanding of the products and market have helped ExaClair to establish a strong position, and we wish them both very happy and well-earned retirements.”
Darren has more than 25 years experience having most recently worked for Product Promotion Services as a regional sales manager, and he will cover Roger’s previous territory including most of London and the southern Home Counties. Sharon is replacing Eddie covering northern England having worked for four years as a territory sales manager for Tactical Solutions, and previously was at Newell Rubbermaid Prior as a Key Account Manager.
T: 01553 696600 www.exaclair.co.uk
Nick and Jonny join GIFTWARE company Lesser & Pavey have appointed two new sales reps, Nick Baker and Jonny Greaves. Nick worked for many years at Salco, and his new role will be to handle overseas accounts, develop their international business and assist with major UK accounts. Jonny spent seven years helping his parents’ Giftware Wholesale business and will now assist on Lesser & Pavey’s product development
T: 01322 29225 www.leonardo.co.uk
Brett’s flying high QUALATEX balloons owners Pioneer Europe have appointed Brett Smith as their new Commercial Manager responsible for sales team leadership, developing national account relationships, and other general management responsibilities. Brett joins Pioneer Europe after more than 23 years in retail store operations, marketing and procurement, and field staff management.
T: 01279 501090 www.qualatex.com
● HERE’S the new face at the GCA – Raquel Lopez, pictured left, is now assisting CEO Sharon Little, pictured right, with the day to day running of the trade association.
Part of the UKG family THE family nature of working at UK Greetings has been proven again as sales executive Vimal Dewji celebrated 25 years with the Dewsbury-based publishers. With many employees reaching such milestones – including CEO Gary Rowley who is one of eight current staff who each have more than 40 years’ service – Vimal has been working in the London area throughout his time with the company. “I joined the company when it was Rustcraft,” Vimal said, “and we had many more sales execs than we have now. I’ve seen many, many changes from Rustcraft and Andrew Valentine to Carlton then a merger with Gibson, Hanson White and Camden Graphics to becoming UK Greetings. “My first company car was a Ford Mondeo back then and I used it to cover the same territory as I am now, which has helped me build up the relationship with the customers as it’s given them the security. “I’ve enjoyed thoroughly working for UK Greetings for the past 25 years and it’s a pleasure to carry on working for a company which is a market leader in the Industry.” Vimal is pictured receiving his 25 years’ service certificate from Tony Roberts, Director of Independent Sales for UK Greetings.
T: 01924 465200 www.ukgreetings.co.uk
It’s Denise’s day IT SEEMS like it’s any excuse for a party and cake these days for the team at Cherry Orchard Publishing –their Tewkesbury office was filled with the scent of fresh flowers as they celebrated Denise Molineux’s 60th birthday. Denise has been managing the Cherry Orchard office for over 11 years and has built up many long-lasting friendships within the industry – she struggled to find space on her desk for the many cards, bouquets, wine, champagne and chocolate that were delivered on May 5. Cherry Orchard MD and founder Jackie Collins, whose company are currently marking their own 20th anniversary, is pictured surprising her long-serving employee with a delicious celebration cake. “The Greetings Card industry is well known for its friendliness and camaraderie,” said Denise, “and the people at Cherry Orchard certainly prove that to be true. I’m overwhelmed by the kind words and generosity that people have shown today. I love what I do and I’ve come to think of my office space here by the river as my second home”.
T: 01684 295500 www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk
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