Chris Barker has been appointed to the role of Sales Manager – Merchants, for Rolawn and Hallstone, to provide dedicated support for builders’ merchants.
Chris will work with independent builders’ merchants, as well as builders’ merchant buying groups, to help ensure they get maximum value from their relationship with the business.
Chris 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. He will work closely with customers to develop individual trading plans and collaborative and impactful marketing strategies, to secure business continuity.
Chris says, “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 and Hallstone, says, “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.”
Chris began working in sales over 30 years ago and quickly gained the skills and experience to look after key accounts for large appliance manufacturers.
While living in New Zealand, from 2005, Chris worked for international brands Qantas and GE Lighting, before following 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.
When he returned to the UK in 2018, Chris was appointed National Account Manager for Sensio Lighting, where he honed his key account management skills further.
In his spare time, Chris is very active, enjoying the game ‘Padel’ – a combination of Squash and Tennis. He also attends boot camps for fitness, recently attending one in Tenerife. He likes working on his garden, which he shares with his fiancée and their Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Lottie.