Rolawn has appointed Chris Barker to the role of Sales Manager, providing dedicated support for builders’ merchants.

Barker has over 30 years’ experience in sales, with the skills and experience to look after key accounts for large appliance manufacturers.

A move to New Zealand, in 2005, saw him working for Qantas and GE Lighting, before he decided to follow his dream of establishing his own business importing products for the motorhome, caravan and marine industry, which he successfully distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand for several years.

Returning to the UK in 2018, Barker became National Account Manager for Sensio Lighting, refining his key account management skills further.

Barker will work with independent builders’ merchants, as well as builders’ merchant buying groups, to help ensure they get maximum value from their relationship with Rolawn.

Among other things, the role involves working closely with customers on individual trading plans and developing collaborative and impactful marketing strategies, to secure business continuity. Barker will be responsible for developing business to optimise all products, with a particular focus on the Hallstone brand, which is dedicated to the trade market.

Barker said: “I am looking forward to helping customers to achieve more from our partnership – giving them the tools to retain and grow their customer base and building on Rolawn’s name and reputation.”

Jonathan Hill, Sales Director for Rolawn, added: “Chris is a welcome addition to our sales force. Chris’s background in account management aligns perfectly with our channel-focused approach to sales and account management and I look forward to watching him develop this key target market.”