Allumette Group has promoted three women – Becky Ashcroft, Katarzyna (Kate) Sural and Kim Ellis – to key roles within its group of companies, at Vertik-Al and Ikon Aluminium Systems. Becky and Kim have also accepted board positions.
Becky was promoted to group finance director and has accepted seats on the boards of both Vertik-Al and Ikon. Kate was promoted to HR manager for both Vertik-Al and Ikon. Kim Ellis has been promoted to operations director for Ikon Aluminium Systems and was invited to join the Ikon board of directors.
Becky Ashcroft, group finance director
Becky is a qualified accountant and has worked in audit for over 26 years. As group finance director she oversees all financial aspects of the business and drives the company’s financial strategy and planning. She is responsible for assessing the financial performance of the company as well as possible risks. Becky first joined as group finance controller.
“I was very honoured to be asked to be a director and hope to reward the faith shown in me,” said Becky. “I hope to give the operations directors more detail and insight into the figures, with a view to reducing and managing costs more effectively.”
Kate Sural, HR manager for Vertik-Al and Ikon
Kate started at Vertik-Al as an office administrator in 2019, after graduating from Aston University. Before joining the HR department she supported HR efforts on a part-time basis. “It quickly developed into a full-time position,” Kate explained. “It enabled me to get to know every single person working for the company and to see how the company manages its workforce. These roles have given me a good understanding of the needs of employees at all levels.”
As HR manager for both Ikon and Vertik-Al, Kate’s biggest challenge is dealing with almost 200 employees across multiple factories and buildings. “I am not afraid of a challenge,” Kate continued, “and this is no exception. I think my organisational skills and good time management will certainly help!” In addition to providing HR support to both group businesses, Kate is currently studying towards CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management.
Kim Ellis, operations director for Ikon Aluminium Systems
Kim has been with the business for over 10 years, most recently as general manager of Ikon Aluminium Systems. “I am thrilled to have been asked to join the board of Ikon,” said Kim. “I believe that my experience, dedication and hard work since the acquisition of the company in 2017 has been recognised and rewarded with this promotion.”
In her new role, Kim is set to be involved in day-to-day decisions and operations. “This promotion builds on the general management role to the benefit of our customers and suppliers. In my new position I can respond swiftly and decisively to situations and further develop my team. In short, I am looking forward to influencing Ikon’s bright future endeavours.”
Speaking about the promotions, John Park-Davies, director of Allumette Group, said: “We are extremely fortunate to employ many talented people. In promoting Becky, Kate and Kim we are demonstrating there is no barrier to anyone in our business: he or she can reach the top of their chosen field.
“Yet it’s not simply about giving someone a new position, these roles give each the power to create and deliver change. They have the knowledge, skills, support and, most important of all, the opportunity, to make a real difference. The impact of these promotions will be felt professionally and personally by all members of the Allumette family, and we’re excited to see what the future brings. We wish them every success.”
