Rexel senior appointments set foundation for future growth and increased customer focus

Next year is set to be a year of growth and continued investment for leading electrical distributor Rexel, as the business underlines its progressive plans and vision for 2020 with the appointment of two new senior leaders.

Pierre Benoit, Cluster lead for Benelux, UK & Ireland has been appointed as Interim CEO of Rexel UK while the business appoints a new permanent CEO, following the departure of John Hogan. Since joining the Rexel business over 30 years ago, Pierre has held several positions within the group, most recently and successfully leading the business for 12 years in Belgium as CEO, and with a career that started at branch management level, progressing to Sales & Marketing Director.

Thierry Petitpas has also joined the business in the role of Category and Supply Chain Director UK. Thierry will take over the responsibility for the businesses’ commercial and supply chain functions. He joins with extensive knowledge of the Rexel brand, having worked in the business for over 18 years – the last 10 years focusing on supply chain and category specifically.

As the business heads into 2020, at the centre of the Rexel business plan is the customer, with all activity driving an improved customer experience and better service supported by a strengthened supply chain.

The business will deliver this improved experience through additional investment in the sales executive team, enabling them to better support their customers. This will sit alongside the continuing implementation of new technology in branch as part of the wider branch improvement programme taking place nationwide.

It will be delivered through a digital development programme, which will also support a massively improved customer experience, both online and in branch. This includes having a far greater range of products available online, for convenient ordering and delivery where and when required. There is also new and improved website functionality for users and a Rexel app for ease of use via mobile device.

And customers will be able to access the latest and best product range as Rexel continues its investment in developing technology, with huge growth in smart and EV sectors.

“The last year at Rexel has been one of investment,” commented Pierre, sharing his thoughts and experiences on the next steps for Rexel UK.

“We have invested significantly in the UK external salesforce, digital development, enhancement of the website, EDI facility, and made improvements within the branch network including a implementation of new IT, refurbishments and re-locations. All of which has led to an improved customer experience.

“We are not stopping here though, and we plan to continue investing in these areas into 2020, and are extremely optimistic about what this will mean for the customer and our business next year and beyond. Alongside this we will be working towards closer supplier alignment to support the company’s strategic plan for future success and growth.”

Pierre Benoit added: “It is a key time for Rexel as we head into 2020 with a renewed team ready to take on the exciting opportunities our industry has on offer. It’s clear we are in a fast paced and changeable market currently, which offers up many exciting opportunities in emerging and developing tech sectors particularly. With this impetus we are very much looking forward to the continued success of our customers, colleagues and suppliers.”

For more information on Rexel’s services and solutions visit www.rexel.co.uk