Ian Kirby has taken on the role of SGM's Head of Sales in the UK, as Peter Johansen, Director of R&D and Strategic Sales Development, looks to reassemble key members of his former team.
When the Dane was appointed to head up the new R&D initiative last year, he immediately recruited members of his old R&D team, tasking them with developing a groundbreaking portfolio.
He then turned his attention to international sales — and one of his prime targets was the experienced Ian Kirby, who is well connected through all SGM's core market segments (and originally set up Martin Professional's UK operation).
Kirby's role with SGM will run in parallel to his own company, LED Projects Ltd — the Kent based distribution and installation operation, which will double as SGM's UK sales office.
Ian Kirby has already secured a major breakthrough for the Italian lighting manufacturers, with the installation of vast quantities of their new LED Balls in Mayfair's prestigious Playboy Club, while another large-scale club, in which SGM's new generation products have been heavily specified, is also in the pipeline.
“The interest in joining SGM was stimulated mainly by Peter Johansen's involvement, and the fact that he was bringing his original R&D team back together,” Ian Kirby explained.
“They are already coming out with some great ideas, and one of the benefits of them having been away from the industry in the meantime is that they have been able to return with completely fresh ideas rather than a different take on the same thing.”
Ian Kirby will be handling all sales and support from his UK office, with warehousing in Italy. His contact details are: LED Projects Ltd., Unit 18, Connect 10, Ashford Business Park, Sevington, Ashford, Kent TN24 0SH. Tel: +44 (0) 1233 502380.