Ideal Standard Ireland gets its own md

December 2009

Ideal Standard Ireland has a new md, its first. He is Gerard Walsh who previously had headed up Ideal Standard’s Iberian operations, though more recently has been involved in the integration of the Qualceram Shire purchase.
Reporting to Roger Cooper, vice president of Ideal Standard Western Europe, Walsh will lead the company’s Irish business which includes the Qualceram and Shires brands in Ireland, and has 50 employees.
Walsh says: “Our recent acquistions will extend Ideal Standard’s international market opportunities and allow further development of its business in Ireland and the UK, further strengthened by the leading Shires and Qualceram brands.”

Management line-up for new Shires UK

Michael Leaf is to head up Ideal Standard’s recent acquisition of the Qualceram Shires brands as commercial director for the newly named Shires UK. The Qualceram name will now only be used as a brand within the new Shires UK brochure which is due to be launched shortly.
Leaf, who has 20 years’ experience in the bathroom industry, will combine his new role with his existing position within Ideal Standard as UK bathing and wellness director.
Says Leaf: “I am delighted to be heading the Shires UK team. The Shires brand has a good reputation within the market place and will fill a gap in the group portfolio. I am confident it will benefit from being a part of the Ideal Standard International management structure.”
Leaf, who reports directly to Roger Cooper, vice president of Ideal Standard Western Europe, is joined by a newly formed Shires team, which includes Ian Davis, business development manager for DIY and national accounts. Sales exceutives are David Buchanan, Scotland; Jackie Heseltine, North East, and Steve Spencer, South East. Jon Russell is sales office manager. Says Leaf: “The team will now work on re-introducing the Shires brand within the UK.”