June 2021

Linde Hydraulics GmbH & Co. KG has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO). As of 1 July, Dr. Matthias Schreiber will take over the position. Schreiber has many years’ experience in development and sales and was most recently senior vice president at MAN Truck & Bus SE. This experience is an important basis for the challenges that Linde Hydraulics is facing. As part of the current transformation process, the product portfolio is to be renewed and innovative business areas are to be developed, among other things. “I am very much looking forward to the challenge of positioning Linde Hydraulics for the future,” says Schreiber. Also, effective from 1 July, Janfried A. Tirre, who until now has been the chief sales officer (CSO), as a member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and R&D, will take over as president of Linde Hydraulics’ US subsidiary. Tirre has been the CSO for Linde Hydraulics since 2014 and has also been responsible for the R&D for approximately one year. In addition to the Chinese-Asian market, the US market in particular is of crucial importance for the development and further growth of Linde Hydraulics. With this change, Tirre takes over the responsibility for the Americas business. Following the departure of the previous CEO Dr. Joerg Ulrich in March of this year, Tirre was responsible for the management of Linde Hydraulics together with chief operating officer (COO) Michael Kessler. As of July, the new management board will consist of Dr. Matthias Schreiber (CEO) and Michael Kessler (COO). The restructuring of the management of Linde Hydraulics is thus complete. Linde Hydraulics reports that as a result it will be significantly strengthened in Germany, in Europe and in the American market. The transformation will make a significant contribution to the successful transformation and further development of the company. Sheffield-based tyre inflation and pneumatics expert PCL continues to expand its HQ operation with the appointment of a new customer service team leader. Reporting to sales director Lee Wright, Nicola Slazak will be responsible for providing hands-on support, while leading the team in delivering customer service. One of Slazak’s main priorities will be to work closely with PCL’s warehouse and production teams to help streamline processes and improve the communication flow back to customers. She will also focus on strengthening relationships within PCL’s expanding field sales team. Born and bred in South Yorkshire, having grown up in Rotherham and recently moved to Sheffield, Slazak is familiar with PCL. She aims to use her extensive background in customer service, retail and administration to ensure the team develops to meet increasing demands as the company continues to grow. “Having been aware of PCL’s reputation for the quality of its ‘Made in Sheffield’ products and dedication to customer support, it is an honour to be leading the customer service team as PCL drives business forward,” comments Slazak. “My focus is on ensuring we provide a first-class service for our customers, working in the most proactive and efficient way possible for them and the company. PCL has a great starting model, and my strategy will be on facilitating the smoothest of interactions across all departments we interact with.” Lee Wright comments: “We are extremely impressed with Nicola’s communication skills and ability to head up a team whist remaining hands-on in the role. Her background in operations and the day-to-day management of a fulfilment team make her ideal for what is a pivotal role at PCL, with a focus on developing partnerships with customers so that we can flourish and grow supporting each other.” PCL has also appointed a new assistant category manager. In her new role, Jodie Mitchell will help strengthen PCL’s global reach as a leading distributor of tyre inflation and compressed air products by growing and maximising the company’s product range potential. Mitchell brings a wealth of product management knowledge from working at Morphy Richards, where she spent five years as assistant category manager and product manager for various product ranges. Major achievements included growing the Filter Coffee category from 7th to 2nd place in the UK market, restoring Morphy Richards’ reputation as a leading coffee brand. Now ready for a new challenge, Mitchell is embracing the opportunity to focus on her skills on developing PCL’s range, and is currently immersing herself in product familiarisation, researching market reach and requirements. “I am thrilled to join PCL at this exciting time, and look forward to playing my part in the growth and expansion of the product portfolio, with my initial focus on strengthening and growing our existing ranges of compressors and air tools,” says Mitchell. “I will be bringing my experience of collaborating with internal teams and customers alike to develop new products based on market needs and wants. My expertise lies in overseeing projects from concept to shelf, and I will be ensuring that our products are of the highest calibre to maintain PCL’s fantastic reputation for quality and service. This role is a perfect fit for me, both in terms of the job description and the culture. PCL is a traditional but forward-thinking company that retains a family atmosphere – and I am delighted to be part of the team.” 44 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS June 2021 www.hpmag.co.uk High-profile appointments at Linde Hydraulics NEW FACES New arrivals at PCL Jodie Mitchell. Nicola Slazak.