05 May 2020

AluK Announces Departure of Russell Yates

AluK Announces Departure of Russell Yates

AluK Announces Departure of Russell Yates

After 17 years with AluK and 8 years as Managing Director, Russell Yates has announced his decision to step down, in order to pursue his long-term ambition of business ownership.

Since becoming Managing Director in 2012, Russell has helped to grow the business six-fold and has spearheaded an investment programme, which has seen AluK create a market-leading 350,000 sq ft production facility in Chepstow and establish a brand which is trusted and respected throughout the industry.

As Technical Director before that, he was responsible for designing the original Beaufort product range to ensure that it could meet the new Part L regs in 2006, as well as the benchmark 58BW window and door system, and the much loved BSF70 bi-fold. When he took over as Managing Director, the business was in a distressed position, but he led a remarkable turnaround and introduced the new AluK brand. As well as success in the trade market, he has ensured that AluK is also a growing force in the specification sector, having opened AluK’s central London Design Studio in 2016, which was the first space of its kind in the industry to support customers working directly with architects.

Russell said: “I have enjoyed every moment of my time with AluK and feel incredibly privileged to have worked with such a supportive and talented team. The company means a huge amount to me personally. I joined my father’s small family business and discovered my passion for the business and love of this industry. As we all know, this industry has a way of getting hold of you and making you feel part of the fenestration family. It goes without saying then that I am sad to leave, but I know I am leaving the business in a very strong position and a major brand leader. Even given the current situation, I am sure it will continue to realise its potential with such an outstanding team in place.”

AluK’s Group CEO, Hélène Roux added: “Russell’s contribution at AluK has been immense and I would like to place on record our thanks to him for all that he has done, especially in the last few years, to transform the UK business into a truly world class operation.

“AluK’s ethos is built around encouraging and promoting entrepreneurship. Each country’s MD is appointed to run the business as if it were their own, with the full support of myself and the other shareholders.

“It was clear when I appointed Russell as MD in 2012 that, despite his young age, he had the necessary capability, determination and more importantly the passion for the business. His results and track record since then demonstrate both his expertise and his flair.

“AluK GB is known for its collaboration and support and for doing business differently with customers, clients and partners; and that has been a key value that Russell has instilled within the business from day one.

“He has built a strong and capable leadership team that has continued to support him and who will of course play key roles in supporting his replacement.

“Russell’s replacement will be Justin Hunter, who has extensive experience in the fenestration industry, including as Managing Director of another aluminium systems house. Justin will be officially joining the business here in Chepstow on 18 May and, in the short term, Russell and Justin will be working alongside one another to make sure that AluK emerges from the lockdown in the best possible shape.”

Russell will be remaining in the industry and is joining a large, well known aluminium fabricator as a key shareholder and Managing Director.

Hélène commented: “We are understandably sorry to see Russell leave, but we recognise his desire to fulfil his personal career ambitions of business ownership. We all wish him every success in his new challenge and, as AluK will continue to be his key supplier, I know that we will very much be a part of that.

“It is important to stress that Russell’s departure from AluK was a move planned long before the Coronavirus outbreak and continuing lockdown. While it has been a difficult period to navigate, we felt that it was important to announce his departure in a timely and considered manner.”

Russell added: “I believe Justin’s appointment is a strong one. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the aluminium and fenestration industry, in both trade and commercial markets. He has a strong leadership team in place at AluK who I know will be supporting him to take AluK forward into the next phase of its growth plans and I certainly look forward to working with him in the future.

Hélène said: “AluK is in the strongest position that it can be to tackle the challenges and opportunities which will exist in this market once the current crisis is over. It has the continuing support of the AluK Group and the entire team is committed to working together to support our customers and each other.”

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