Building Product Design Group, which includes brands such as Glidevale, Passivent, Kingfisher Louvre Systems, Richmond Building Products and Z-Led, has promoted Graham Dronfield and Neil Rideout to joint managing directors. The two combine to bring over 40 years’ experience within divisions of the company to the board.
Graham Dronfield joined what was then Glidevale Building & Products Ltd in the fitting shop as a milling machine operator. He progressed into quality management and was responsible for the implementation of BS5750 (now ISO9001) in the company before moving into general management, and operational management. When the Group restructured in 2000, Graham was appointed production director, based at the company’s main manufacturing site in Pinxton, Nottinghamshire before being promoted to group commercial director. His main responsibilities in his new role will be all commercial activities including production.
Neil Rideout joined what was then Willan Building Services in 1989 as technical manager, from Scott Roof Tiles and previously Redland Roof Tiles. He progressed into product development and R&D, and was group technical director prior to his appointment as group joint managing director. He will retain his technical responsibility in his new capacity, as well as marketing.
Peter Willan, Group chairman and founder of the Group, comments: “BPD has always had an ethos of nurturing its people, and to reward and promote from within. The appointment of Graham Dronfield and Neil Rideout as joint managing directors exemplifies this philosophy. They will continue to drive the Group forward, developing innovative yet practical solutions to changing market requirements and forces.”