Strategic succession planning has led to some key changes in management at the Malvern-based flow regulator manufacturer, Neoperl UK. From April, Kevin Gates is to move from the role as UK MD to a European business development director position and Mike Burton will step up as operational site director alongside Chris Neath who has been promoted to director of sales, to lead the UK business.
Kevin Gates has been working as the MD for Neoperl UK since 2016. The business has seen some significant developments under his leadership, including embedding 5S and lean principles on the site and lots of investment in staff training. UK sales have also grown during this time despite having to lead the business through a challenging time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Gates will be replaced in the day to day running of the business by Mike Burton and Chris Neath who together bring 32 years of service and experience with this specialist product manufacturer.
Mike Burton joined the business in 2000 as a Toolmaking apprentice and has worked across many disciplines from toolroom leader, engineering manager to his current role as operations manager where he has been for 5 years. Chris Neath is a specialist in sales having joined Neoperl UK in sales administration in 2013 and been head of sales for the business since July 2022.
Kevin Gates said: “Neoperl UK is in a strong position in the market and whilst I may be spending my time focussing on business development projects across Europe and Globally, I will still be based in the UK. It’s time for Mike and Chris to step up and bring their ideas and values to the day to day running of the business and I am confident it will continue to thrive with their energy, knowledge and skill set."
