Company of Connect Yorkshire EIR Hugh Facey, Sheffield-based wire fastener manufacturer Gripple has appointed a new managing director for the UK and Ireland and board directors.
Kevin St Clair has taken up the role of UK managing director, following 21 years at Gripple. Charlotte Hill will replace him as operations director, with Sam Ryall joining the UK board as supply chain director.
St Clair started his career at Gripple in 2002 as the company’s first quality manager before moving into a broader quality and supply chain management role and later becoming site manager at the group’s Riverside Works facility in Sheffield.
Five years ago, he was promoted to group operations director, where he had full operational responsibility for Gripple’s six UK manufacturing sites.
Kevin St Clair, UK managing director at Gripple, said: “I am delighted to take up my new role at Gripple and to be working with a fantastic board of directors. My focus will be on delivering strong results in the UK as well as continuing to improve our global service and support.
“Our markets and product range are constantly evolving as our strategy is to identify challenges that customers face and to develop innovative solutions, offering environmental, time and user-friendly benefits.”
Hill joined Gripple eight years ago as product manager and during this time has gained significant knowledge of the business, through her work in new product introduction, continuous improvement, engineering management and most recently as operations manager for Gripple’s Hellaby, Hawke Street and Riverside Works facilities.
Ryall joined Gripple four years ago from B Braun Medical in Sheffield, where she had worked for 18 years, most recently in the role of purchasing manager. She has worked to develop the supply chain team and has played a key role in guiding Gripple through unprecedented supply chain challenges, including Brexit, Covid-19 and the Ukraine war.
St Clair added: “Charlotte and Sam bring great qualities to board. Charlotte’s performance over the years leaves me with no doubt that she will continue to deliver excellent results and strengthen the operations team further.
“Sam has demonstrated strong leadership skills and has proven to be a real team player, with great drive and enthusiasm, facing challenges head-on and finding solutions that have taken our business forward.”
The board also comprises sales director Chris Bugg, head of digital transformation Darren Cork, people and culture director Katrina Ritchie and finance director Clare Legg.
Article via insidermedia.com
