Glass supplier Pilkington, part of the NSG Group, has made two new senior appointments – promoting Kristian Chalmers to head of sales, and Leo Pyrah to marketing and VA manager. The pair brings a combined 25 years’ experience working across Pilkington UK’s architectural glass business, and will be based at the NSG Group’s European Technical Centre in Lathom, Lancashire.
Kristian previously worked as the European strategic marketing manager within the business. Her experience includes launching products such as Pilkington K Glass, which the company is selling at full manufacturing capacity each month in the UK. Kristian took over from Andy McDowell, who retired as commercial director at the end of June, concluding a 30-year career at the company.
Kristian said: “It’s exciting to step into this position at this crucial time for the industry and our customers. My team’s focus in the near term will be supporting customers as UK glass supply remains constrained, while looking ahead to new opportunities for the existing and new sectors, including the servitisation of glass.”
Leo has taken on a multifunctional strategic marketing role in the business, with a key focus on adding value for customers through NSG technology. He began his career in the NSG Group as a graduate working in research and development, in 2007. Since then, Leo has held a variety of technical and product management roles in the UK and overseas as part of the NSG Group’s operations in Vietnam and China.
“Glass applications and specifications are evolving in line with new regulations and building policies, in what’s a key period of change in building design,” said Leo. “It’s creating strong market opportunities for value added glass products, which I’m looking forward to working alongside customers in targeting.”
Matt Buckley, managing director of Pilkington UK, said: “Kristian and Leo bring a wealth of experience from across the business’ different functions and countries of operation. This experience will be vital in leading our teams that are supporting customers through this period of recovery, and as they help architects to meet new design challenges by using innovative glass products.”
