Two new key appointments have been made to independent kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturer, Lancashire-based J & J Ormerod. Jon Thelwell is taking over as sales & marketing director and Kevin Sullivan has been appointed national sales manager.
MD Stephen Greenhalgh said: “I would like to say thank you to our sales & marketing director John Pollitt who, over the last 10 years, has done a fantastic job and cemented our position as a leading supplier of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms to the independent retail sector; with service that is unrivalled in the market. John P has decided to hang up his tape measure and we had to look for a replacement – but Jon T is a perfect fit within the culture of our business, his experience, knowledge and ideas will lead JJO not just to change direction but to change gear and to drive the business forward. One of Jon T’s first jobs was to appoint a National Sales Manager and we are delighted that, in Keith, he has brought in someone with a wealth of knowledge and national sales know how.”
Jon Thelwell brings with him extensive expertise in the kitchen and furniture business. On joining the JJO, he went out with the sales teams to meet customers and get a good understanding of what they want from the business. To that end, he is already updating the company’s kitchen range with new vibrant on trend colours and introducing new handles and new doors. Latterly, he spent five years as Showroom Managing Director for Jewson in charge of 85 showrooms across the country.
Building a successful sales team is the priority for new national sales manager Kevin Sullivan. Having started in the industry in 1988 at Texas Homecare, he moved on to Wickes and then spent 24 years with Magnet Kitchens where his last role was regional director responsible for 41 showrooms. Kevin oversees a country-wide workforce of eight kitchen and bedroom sales people and four who sell bathrooms.
JJO has been in business since 1868 and is a leading employer in the Rossendale Valley with bases in Bacup, Stacksteads and Rawtenstall and a workforce of more than 300.
Pictured: JJO new sales & marketing director Jon Thelwell, left, along with Kevin Sullivan who has been appointed national sales manager.
