People

An increased focus on new product development has led to a change at the top for Kawneer. Finance director Phil Randles has taken the reins from Kawneer’s managing director for the past eight years, David Shuttleworth, who has become general manager, Kawneer Europe, with a special remit on new product development.

Phil, 39, joined Kawneer 11 years ago as financial controller, becoming finance director after three years. As well as leading the finance department of five people, he was also responsible for the Kawneer Global Special Projects team of seven.

While responsible for the company’s quality department he helped gain ISO 9000 and has helped to sustain the business, which is based in Runcorn, Cheshire, at 160 employees and a £28million turnover in 2009.

A member of the Institute of Chartered Accounts, he has a degree in History, initially training as an audit manager with KPMG.

Phil said: “I am delighted to take on this responsibility and look forward to working with all stakeholders in the Kawneer UK business which has built a very strong customer base, product offering and management team.

“Despite the current unprecedented market conditions I believe the business is better placed than it has ever been to meet our customers’ requirements over coming months and years.”