International Glass Agencies has appointed David Stoker, former Commercial Director for Pilkington Building Products UK, as Managing Director for its UK operations. René Jansen, Managing Director for the Belgium based IGA Group of companies, has announced the appointment along with the establishment of International Glass Agencies (UK) Ltd specifically to serve the UK market.
David, who left Pilkington following a senior management restructure in 2009 will take up the role from 1st June 2010. After 25 years in senior sales positions within Pilkington, David is enthusiastic about his next challenge. “The opportunity to be involved with a company such as IGA does not present itself everyday. Having met with René Jansen and discussed his ambitions for the business I felt that there was a significant input I could provide”
“The creation of IGA UK represents a distinct shift in the group’s approach to the UK market” continues David “it demonstrates that IGA is serious about the UK and its importance to the company’s strategic direction. Past perception of IGA as a Continental based trader could have been viewed as opportunistic however, contrary to this perception, IGA already has a substantial business base in the UK and has recently set up distribution premises in the South of England, with stock on the floor to serve the market”.
René Jansen commented “Recent increases in our UK business have highlighted the need for us to have a local presence to build on this growth. The logical next step was to appoint a UK expert who could develop the further potential within the UK. David’s experience and knowledge are undoubted and his target will be to grow and firmly establish IGA UK, with the aim of creating a sustainable business for the future”.
“IGA is an independent player but with strong relationships with most of the major manufacturers”. René continues “We believe that IGA has a unique position in the UK, between the manufacturers, the merchants and the processers, which can benefit the whole market. We’re able to offer full loads from say one manufacturer or another but also have the capability to supply mixed loads of a variety of products from a variety of manufacturers from our UK warehouse. We’re particularly pleased to have an exclusive distribution agreement for Interpane products in the UK and see a huge opportunity to introduce new products and future investment into the UK market.
We look forward to introducing David, as the Managing Director of IGA (UK) Ltd., to our existing and prospective new customers in the UK, and feel confident that, resulting from his appointment, they will want to share the strength of our convictions and ambitions for the UK market, to reap benefits for us all.”
Robert Boers, IGA's Export Sales Director, will maintain his involvement with IGA's UK customers, for a short transitional period before pursuing the group's interests in other countries.