Surface materials distributor IDS has strengthened its senior management team with the promotion of Sara Jones to operations director (North) and the appointment of Alex Rees as operations director (South). Previously one role, the new positions reflect the depth and breadth of the IDS portfolio in work surfaces, laminates, solid surfacing, flooring, wall and ceiling panels and panel products, together with the scale of its operations from 18 branches across the UK to service its customer base in retail, contract and commercial manufacturing.
Sara originally joined the business in 1994 as a trade counter assistant and progressed to hold the position of regional director since 2011. In her new role she will have full responsibility for five distribution sites across the North of England, as well as the production facility and digital business at Parkhouse at Stoke.
Prior to joining IDS, Alex gained nine years’ experience with a number of Saint Gobain-owned businesses operating in the building materials industry, including Jewson, Gibbs & Dandy, Normans and British Gypsum. Most recently Alex has completed a secondment assignment with Saint Gobain Lodhia Gypsum in Tanzania, where he rebuilt and managed a sustainable plasterboard facility. In his new position at the surface materials distributor, Alex will be responsible for sales and operations at 11 branches in the south of England.
John Bagshaw, MD of IDS said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sara and Alex to their new roles and I am confident they both have the experience, insight and energy to help guide the business forward through the COVID-economy. Over 26 successful years, Sara has attained a wealth of knowledge and experience, alongside many leadership awards. I am pleased to promote her and welcome her input at board level. Alex is a welcome addition to the IDS team, bringing a wealth of experience in general management and business improvement that will be extremely valuable to the business.”
