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People News – all the movers and shakers
Galt rings the changes
It’s all change at Galt as parent Jumbodiset Group has announced the retirement of two long-serving staffers, and more new appointments.
Galt managing director John McDonnell is retiring after nearly 30 years, with the company paying tribute to his hard work and commitment to the firm during his lengthy stint with them. Jumbodiset CEO Joan Ferrer is set to exit the role but will remain on the board at the company, which acquired Galt three years ago. She said: “As the head of Galt for so many years, John has been a stand-out and respected leader in the industry. We have enjoyed collaborating with him across Europe since the incorporation of Galt to the Jumbodiset family and his passion and expertise will be missed.”
Sales director Clive Robinson, another longterm staffer, is also retiring, and in a statement the company paid tribute to him and the pair’s work. It said: “We would also like to thank him for his major contribution to Galt’s success in the market. John and Clive leave Galt in a strong position following its acquisition by the Jumbodiset Group in 2019. They both played a key role in a transition that has positioned Galt and Jumbodiset to thrive across the UK and Ireland in what promises to be an exciting new era for our joint endeavour.”
Meanwhie, Jacqueline Taylor Foo has been appointed as general manager for Jumbosiset and Galt following time at the likes of Mattel, Spin Master, Zapf Creation and Melissa & Doug. She said: “I am honoured to be joining the Jumbodiset/Galt team. Our new European leadership team has exciting plans, with huge ambitions to further grow the company as we integrate to one even stronger organisation.”
Jacqueline Taylor Foo
Jumbodiset CEO Joan Ferrer
Sky’s the limit
‘I’m going to jump out of a plane!’ Mandy Nolan and her skydive plans became a reality when she jumped out of a plane, raising more than her initial target for good causes.
Nolan, financial controller at MV Sports, was initially aiming to raise £100 for the McCarthyDixon Foundation, a charity launched to alleviate hunger and provide essential supplies for people in need.
But, as her colleagues noted, “not only did Mandy literally throw herself out of a plane at 120mph, she smashed her target by 440% raising an incredible £440 for the charity”.
The company added: “This incredible achievement will fund more than 82 food parcels for those in need.’’
Rubies strengthens national accounts team
Rubies has further expanded its national accounts team with two new appointments.
First, it has unveiled a new national account controller, Robin Dent, who joins the company from Hornby, where he was senior national account manager, having previously worked at the likes of Kids II and Mattel.
He will, Rubies said, “manage the day-to-day relationship with national accounts, while simultaneously focusing on their growth and expansion, aligning with Rubies 365 business plan”.
Rubies’ commercial director Graham Gardiner said: “With our national accounts department growing we need someone who is experienced, proactive and consistently focused on sales, growth and meaningful business relationships at the helm. Robin Dent, with his extensive experience in senior account management is a perfect fit for the role and we are excited to see where he leads this department of the business.” Rubies has also announced the appointment of of Claire Barkwith as national account manager responsible for fashion and apparel. The company said Barkwith, who boasts more than 16 years’ experience in the apparel and textile business, will be overseeing Claire accounts at the likes of Sainsburys, George, Dunnes, Matalan and Barkwith Morrisons, and will further bolster the sales team as well as providing further growth in apparel and fashion.
“With our national accounts department growing, we need someone who is experienced, proactive and consistently focused on sales, growth and meaningful business relationships at the helm. Robin Dent, with his extensive experience in Senior Account Management is a perfect fit for the role and we are excited to see where he leads this department of the business.”
Commercial director Gardiner added: “With Claire’s experience of every facet of account management and garment design from pattern cutting to sourcing, she is a perfect fit for the role of national account manager – fashion and apparel. As a business we’re growing to unprecedented levels, especially within our accounts department, and we need someone Robin who is consistently focused on proactively growing relationships and Dent developing our existing accounts, and we have no doubt Claire is the right person for the job.”
