46 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk NEW FACES Matara UK Ltd, a specialist in automation, pneumatics, and linear motion products, has appointed two new Business Development Managers as part of its strategic growth plan. This expansion also includes a significant increase in the size of Matara’s aluminium extrusion frame department, nearly tenfold. Kiran Patel joins Matara as Business Development Manager for the western region of England, covering areas from Shropshire to Devon. With over 13 years of experience in the linear motion industry, Kiran’s expertise was honed during his time at SKF (UK) Ltd. and later as a Linear & Automation Product Manager for an industrial distributor. Reflecting on his new role, Kiran said: “Matara’s comprehensive product range and ability to deliver fully customised automation solutions attracted me. I look forward to offering manufacturing-level technical support to customers and helping them find the right solutions for their needs.” Chris Ager, who will manage the Midlands and South, brings 20 years of experience in the bearings industry. He has worked globally across sectors such as mining, oil & gas, and marine. Chris’s passion lies in problem-solving: “Understanding a customer’s challenges and working closely with them to find solutions is the most rewarding aspect of my job. No two days are the same in this role, and I thrive on the variety.” Established in 1995, Matara operates from its Tewkesbury headquarters and serves diverse industries, including printing, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and metal processing. On 1 September 2024, HIMA Group announced two key appointments as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Yao Zhou has been named General Manager for China, effective from 1 September 2024, while Luis Hernando Torres has taken on the role of General Manager for the North and Southeast Asia region since 1 October 2024. These appointments are part of HIMA’s broader plan to enhance its customer proximity and expand local sales, engineering, and service operations in these key markets. HIMA’s CEO, Jörg de la Motte, commented: "The appointment of the two new General Managers is an important milestone in our long-term strategy to strengthen our local presence and further expand our customer service." Yao Zhou brings 20 years of management experience, having joined HIMA in 2016 as Head of Human Resources for China. Since then, she has steadily expanded her role, serving as Interim Managing Director in early 2024. Zhou’s leadership is expected to bolster HIMA’s presence in China, a critical market for the company. Luis Hernando Torres, an electrical engineer with over 30 years of industry experience, will succeed Friedhelm Best, who has led HIMA’s Asia-Pacific business since 2016. Torres has contributed significantly to HIMA’s growth in Latin America and will now oversee the company’s development in North and Southeast Asia. Brenda Moreno, who has successfully led HIMA’s Partner Programme in Latin America since 2020, will take over Torres’ previous role as Sales Director for the region. These strategic appointments underline HIMA’s commitment to growing its business in the Asia-Pacific markets. HIMA Group appoints new General Managers for China and Asia Global technical solutions specialist EnerMech has promoted Ruairi Kerr to the role of senior vice president, business development. Ruairi joined the company in July 2020 as business development director for the Middle East & Caspian, expanding his responsibilities in May 2022 when Africa was added to his portfolio. In his new role, he will be pivotal in driving sales growth aligned with EnerMech’s new strategic direction. He will focus on maximising value from both new and existing customers, overseeing the execution of the sales budget and plan, and enhancing the company’s engagement with strategic and key clients through effective account management. He will also lead the global sales and business development teams, collaborating closely with regional and business line general managers to ensure company growth and capitalisation of new business opportunities. Before joining EnerMech Ruairi, a civil engineer, spent nine years at Kent Plc, as business development manager for the UAE, Qatar and Oman and later as regional business development director for Asia. Prior to that, he was a project manager with engineering professional services firm WSP, in UAE and Kuwait. EnerMech promotes Ruairi Kerr to global senior Vice President, Business Development Matara expands team with two new Business Development Managers
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