Newly appointed CEO of Vivalda Group Andy McEwan (centre front of image) has laid out his plans for the business’ expansion in three key areas for 2023; growing product range, attracting new customers and building new branches.
The plans were announced last month after Andy, former Wolseley plc director, was appointed as CEO and a new management structure was put in place, with Peter Johnson continuing as group chairman and majority shareholder and former managing director Ben Jayes continuing to play a roving role across the group and retaining an interest as a key shareholder and plc board member.
Commenting on Vivalda’s new strategy, Peter said: “Firstly, I want to put on the record my admiration for my friend and colleague Ben Jayes whose skill, courage and dedication forged the business into the leading force we see today. When you recall the wider economic crises of the last fifteen years, Ben has successfully navigated each one with aplomb. He and I look forward to continuing our successful relationship, this time on the back benches, offering the benefit of all that experience whenever it may be requested by Andy.”
He continued: “Having made it through the last recession, the financial crisis, Brexit, the pandemic and the recent hikes in energy costs, we continue to be a profitable, successful enterprise that puts its people first. However, having achieved a turnover of £40 million this year, we know that to get to the next level the business needs an input of new ideas along with the right leader to implement them.
“Having spent nearly a year searching for the right person I am delighted to have confirmed Andy McEwan’s position as Group CEO. Andy has an unrivalled track record within the construction products sector cutting his teeth at Wolseley plc, and more recently fulfilling a senior role within VPS, the site security specialist. Andy brings fresh thinking and real passion to Vivalda Group as we embark on the exciting next phase of its growth, and all the while retaining our strong values of professionalism, integrity and teamwork.”
Andy added: “Now approaching its 25th anniversary, the business has very positive culture, which is reflected by its approach to customers and suppliers alike. Given this strong foundation, I believe there are significant opportunities for the business to expand, most notably in terms of the range of products it offers, the customers it serves and the geography from which it operates.
“Looking ahead, there are huge opportunities for Vivalda to operate much more as a single entity while getting even closer to suppliers and customers.”
